Ski & Snow Magazine

ISSUE # 30

WINTER 2025

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Red Bull Illume Image Quest, Photographer: Grant Gunderson Athlete: Adam Ü Location: Nozawa Onsen, Japan

BEHIND THE COVER

If winter has a holy grail, it’s buried deep

in the mountains of Japan. This is where

snow doesn’t fall, it floats. The country’s ski

fields, especially those in Hokkaido and the

Japanese Alps, are blessed with some of the

most reliable and abundant powder snow on

Earth. In places like Niseko, up to 15 metres

of snow land every season. The snow is dry,

light, and consistent, thanks to Siberian winds

meeting the moisture-rich Sea of Japan. It’s a

dream scenario for skiers and snowboarders

who chase the elusive perfect run.

SOLACE ON THE SLOPES

You only realise how isolated and ‘simple’

New Zealand is when you are away from it;

it’s like looking through the wrong end of a

telescope, we seem tiny and far off.

That is precisely how we felt during a trip

to Big White Ski Resort in March. After an

epic day of skiing, we gathered around the

lodge’s big screen, only to witness Donald

Trump addressing Congress.

Disturbing on so many levels, his speech

left us shaken, not just for what was said,

but for what it signified. The division, the

rhetoric, the weight of a nation grappling

with its identity.

Our Canadian friends sighed over the

ever-growing border restrictions and tarriff

headaches. Meanwhile, our American

companions half-joked about pretending

to be from anywhere else. And us? We

couldn’t help but feel lucky to hail from

New Zealand, a country where, despite our

own challenges, we don’t live in a political

circus of this magnitude.

But it’s not just about quantity. Japan delivers

quality. The terrain is varied and rewarding,

from mellow groomers to steep off-piste

bowls framed by silver birch trees. Resorts

like Hakuba, which hosted the 1998 Winter

Olympics, offer expansive mountain faces

with a touch of alpine drama. Meanwhile,

quieter gems like Nozawa Onsen and Furano

provide charm, culture, and epic snow

without the queues.

@adventuremagazine

But then, the next morning, we clicked into

our skis, and the world’s problems shrank

against the vastness of the Monashee

Mountains. The skiing was sublime, the

camaraderie even better.

On the slopes, politics dissolved into

fresh tracks, chairlift banter, and shared

stoke over the day’s best runs. The joy of

skiing; of community, of simple, unfiltered

fun, proved itself bigger than the world’s

growing chaos.

Maybe that’s what we need more of;

places where people from different

backgrounds can come together, not

divided by politics but united by powder

days.

In the end, the slopes don’t care where

you’re from, only that you show up,

respect the mountain, and revel in the ride.

And in that, we found a kind of peace that

no politician could ever take away.

Steve Dickinson / Editor

all terrain

collection

winter 2025

Rocco Jamieson, SB Big Air World Cup Chur, Photo Credit Marcel Laemmerhirt, FIS Park & Pipe

A SEASON TO CELEBRATE

SNOW SPORTS NEW ZEALAND

By Britt Hawes Snow Sports NZ

Kiwi athletes had an amazing 2024/25 season, snagging 39 elite podium finishes at World Cups, World Champs, Freeride

World Tour, X Games, Natural Selection Ski and Spring Battle and are also bringing home 2 FIS Crystal Globes for NZ! Read all

about their successes below:

Alice Robinson (Alpine Ski Racing),

Luca Harrington (Freeski Big Air and

Slopestyle) and Zoi Sadowski-Synnott

(Snowboard Big Air and Slopestyle)

collectively secured 24 elite event

podiums this season (8 each), with Luca

and Zoi also bringing home FIS Crystal

Globes. Have a read below about each of

their incredible seasons!

Alice Robinson has just had her most

successful season ever, bringing home

seven FIS Giant Slalom World Cup

podiums (including a win in Kronplatz)

and securing NZ's first ever Alpine

World Championships medal, with a

Giant Slalom silver from Saalbach. Alice

rounded out her season in second place

in the overall FIS Giant Slalom World Cup

standings for the 2024/25 season.

4// S K I A N DSNOW.CO.NZ

Luca Harrington launched onto the

World Cup podium at the start of 2025

and hasn't shown any signs of slowing

down. With five World Cup podiums

(including two gold), a gold and silver X

Games medal at his debut appearance,

the Freeski Big Air World Championship

title and winning NZ's first Freeski Crystal

Globe (Big Air), Luca was a dominant

force on the 2025 competition scene.

Zoi Sadowski-Synnott made quick

work of catapulting back to the top of

women's snowboarding securing four

World Cup podiums (three of which were

wins), gold and bronze X Games medals

and the Spring Battle win. Zoi was

crowned the 2025 Snowboard Slopestyle

World Champion for the third time in her

career and on top of it all, is bringing

home her career first FIS Crystal Globe.

Even more elite podiums achieved by

Kiwi athletes:

Rocco Jamieson started his 2024/25

season with a bang, claiming a career

first World Cup podium with a third place

at the Winter Games NZ Snowboard

Slopestyle World Cup in September, then

followed it up with a second place finish

at the Chur Big Air World Cup in October.

He then went on to snag the Big Air

bronze at his debut X Games.

Fin Melville Ives got his career first World

Cup podium at the Calgary Halfpipe

World Cup in February and it was straight

to the top step for the 18-year-old. He

backed that up with an insane World

Champs performance and was crowned

the 2025 FIS Freeski Halfpipe World

Champion at his debut World Champs.

Alice Robinson at the FIS Ski World Cup Photo: Erich Spiess / Red Bull Content Pool

Zoi Sadowski-Synnott, SB Slopestyle World Champs, Photo by Christian Stadler, FIS Freestyle WCS25.

M-PRO WOMEN RANGE

PIVOT

STABILITY

PLAYFUL

The skis in the new M-Pro W range are traditional freeride

models designed for skiers of all proficiency levels, but

featuring a new structure, namely a tail with more rocker

to ensure easier pivoting and produce a more playful

ski, without compromising the traditional stability of the

M-Pro range. These French-made skis are engineered to

help women skiers push the boundaries, carve their own

tracks and feel alive, free and confident.

Finley Melville Ives, FS Halfpipe World Champs, Photo Credit Christian Stadler, FIS Freestyle WCS25

A year of successes for Zoi Sadowski-Synnott - here at the SB Slopestyle World Champs, FIS Park & Pipe

Adam Hall had an impressive Slalom

World Cup season, which included a

second and third place finish in Feldberg

and Tignes. His consistency resulted in

him finishing second overall in the 2025

FIS Para Slalom World Cup standings,

his best overall finish since 2009.

Ben Richards finished on the podium

twice on the 2025 Freeride World Tour -

third at the Baqueira Beret Pro in Spain

and another third at the Kicking Horse Pro

in Canada. Ben's results means he has

retained his spot on the Tour for 2026.

Ben Barclay finished in third place at

the Stoneham Slopestyle World Cup,

joining teammate Luca Harrington on the

podium marking the first time two Kiwi

athletes have ever shared a Park & Pipe

World Cup podium.

Corey Peters finished in third place at the

FIS Para Alpine Super G World Cup in

Bardonecchia, his first elite event podium

since his historic performance at the

Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games.

Craig Murray won the inaugural Yeti

Natural Selection Ski event, held in the

incredible Tordrillo mountain range in

Alaska.

Dane Menzies had a second place finish

at the Flachau Spring Battle and Ruby

Star Andrews got her seasons best World

Cup result with a third place finish at the

Tignes Slopestyle World Cup.

Speed skier Tawny Wagstaff had a career

best World Cup result, with a second

place finish at the World Cup in Vars,

France.

Kiwi Northern Hemisphere pathways

event successes:

It's also been an incredibly successful

Northern Hemisphere season for the Kiwi

athletes competing in pathway events

(European Cup, FWT Challenger, Junior

World Champs and World Rookie Tour

Finals), bringing home a combined total

of 17 podium finishes!

Freeride | Freeskier Fynn Powell took

out the final two stops of the Region One

2025 FWT Challenger, and in the process

has secured himself a spot on the 2026

Freeride World Tour! Snowboarder

Brooke Hansen once again represented

NZ at the Freeride Junior World

Championships and is bringing home the

silver medal for NZ.

Freeski | Freeski athletes are bringing

home nine medals from the LAAX and

Cortvatsch European Cup Premium

events and the World Rookie Tour Finals.

Mischa Thomas won the LAAX slopestyle

and the Corvatsch halfpipe events. It

was a Kiwi podium sweep at the LAAX

Halfpipe European Cup Premium with

Fin Melville Ives in first, Luke Harrold

in second and Cooper Breen in third.

Cooper also finished in second place

in the Corvatsch halfpipe event and

Luke snagged bronze at the Corvatsch

slopestyle event. Michaela Bridgens

cleaned up the Grom division at the

World Rookie Tour finals, winning both

the Slopestyle and Big Air Finals.

Snowboard | As well as his elite event

success, Rocco Jamieson also took out

the Corvatsch slopestyle European Cup

Premium, with Cam Melville Ives winning

the Corvatsch halfpipe event. Cam also

finished in second place at the LAAX

halfpipe European Cup Premium. Ava

Beer won the Rookie division snowboard

slopestyle at the World Rookie Tour finals.

Para Snowboard | Ben Johnston

finished in second place at Para

Snowboard Cross European Cup in

Switzerland in his breakout international

FIS season.


LUCA HARRINGTON

FEAR, FLIGHT AND FREESTYLE

Images by Dasha Nosova

At 21 years old, Wanaka’s Luca “Huck” Harrington is no

stranger to heights, both in altitude and achievement. With an

XGames gold in Slopestyle, silver in Big Air, and two World Cup Big

Air wins under his belt, Luca isn’t just keeping up with the world’s

best—he’s pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in freestyle

skiing.

His first major breakthrough came when he qualified for his first

World Cup Finals. “That was the first time I felt like I had a future in

this sport,” he recalls. From that moment, his path was set.

Freestyle skiing is a sport of extremes—extreme skill, extreme risk,

and extreme mental toughness. While Luca has always had a taste

for adrenaline, even as a kid learning his times tables while flipping

on a trampoline, fear has become a bigger factor as he’s progressed.

“Risk is something I’ve had to work hard to overcome,” he admits.

“FREESTYLE

SKIING IS A SPORT

OF EXTREMES;

EXTREME SKILL,

EXTREME RISK,

AND EXTREME

MENTAL

TOUGHNESS.”

That mental game is what separates the good from the rest. “Skiing

is almost more mental than physical,” he says. “If I’m learning a new

trick, I might only get to try it a couple of times in a day physically,

but I can practice it in my head as many times as I want.”

Image by Mark Clinton

That mindset was tested at the X Games, where he landed a triple

cork 2160 blunt—a trick that earned him silver but also left him

questioning whether he’d ever attempt it again. “It was the most

terrifying yet rewarding moment of my life.”


WINNER LUCA

HARRINGTON NZL

FINAL BIG AIR MEN

AT FIS FREESTYLE

WCS 2025

Luca Harrington BA World Champs Finals

Image Credit Christian Stadler - FIS Park & Pipe


Winners smile

Training & Staying Ahead of the Curve

Luca’s daily routine is a relentless mix of skiing, strength training, and physiotherapy,

ensuring his body can handle the demands of high-impact tricks. “Every day is about

pushing my own limits and the limits of the sport,” he says. But as freestyle skiing

is constantly evolving, staying ahead is an endless challenge. “I’ve only recently

reached the point where I’m learning tricks that have never been done before.”

And with progress comes pressure. Competing at the highest level means battling

nerves, expectations, and the ever-present risk of injury. “Handling pressure has

been one of the hardest challenges of my career,” he admits. “But the more I’ve

experienced it, the more comfortable I’ve become. I remind myself that nerves are a

good thing—it would be concerning if I wasn’t a little scared.”

The Highs and Lows of Competition

For Luca, competing is a double-edged sword. From landing a new trick or

stepping onto the podium is unmatched, but the toll it takes on the body and mind

is brutal. “It’s a war you put yourself through,” he says. “From pre-comp prep to the

last run in finals, it’s physically and mentally exhausting.”

There have been times when he’s questioned the risks. “Last year, I pushed it too

far and ended up injured. That was a wake-up call—you have to think about the

bigger picture and whether it’s worth jeopardizing the rest of your season.”

Despite the sacrifices, Luca’s passion for the sport remains unwavering. When

asked what advice he’d give to aspiring freeskiers, his answer is simple: “Ski as

much as you can and enjoy every moment of it. The best way to get better at

anything is to just go out there and do it.”

Looking Ahead

Where does Luca see the future of freestyle skiing? Bigger tricks? New formats?

He’s not sure. But one thing is certain—he’s going to keep pushing. “I look forward

to continuing the progression.”

A product of Wanaka’s rich skiing heritage, Luca has drawn inspiration from local

legends like the Wells brothers, the Bilous brothers, and the Porteous brothers.

“Growing up watching their success was hugely motivating,” he says.

But he hasn’t done it alone. “Huge shoutout to my parents, friends, family,

sponsors, and supporters,” he says. “So many people have had a massive impact

on my life and have helped me achieve my dreams. I’m extremely grateful.”

“HANDLING

PRESSURE HAS

BEEN ONE OF

THE HARDEST

CHALLENGES OF

MY CAREER...BUT

THE MORE I’VE

EXPERIENCED

IT, THE MORE

COMFORTABLE

I’VE BECOME. I

REMIND MYSELF

THAT NERVES ARE

A GOOD THING;

IT WOULD BE

CONCERNING IF I

WASN’T A LITTLE

SCARED.”

At just 21, Luca Harrington is already leaving his mark on freestyle skiing, the best

is yet to come.


“SO MANY PEOPLE

HAVE HAD A

MASSIVE IMPACT

ON MY LIFE AND

HAVE HELPED

ME ACHIEVE

MY DREAMS.

I’M EXTREMELY

GRATEFUL”

J U N E 2 025// 15

NICO PORTEOUS

THE SEASON THAT WAS

For Kiwi freeskiing sensation Nico Porteous, the 2024-25 season has

been one for the books. From deep powder days in Japan to mentoring the

next generation of New Zealand ski talent, the Olympic gold medallist has been

at the heart of the action. Currently in Innsbruck, Austria, Porteous continues to

push boundaries on and off the slopes while balancing the demands of backto-back

winters. Here’s what he said about his season, the highs, the lows, and

what’s next.

Japan Delivers the Goods

“This season has been a blast!” Porteous says, his excitement palpable. “A

massive highlight for me was getting to spend time in Japan. At the start of the

season, I spent two weeks in Myoko, riding some of the best snow of my life

with friends.”

Japan’s legendary snowfall didn’t disappoint. After a dream start in Myoko,

Porteous was invited back for a second two-week stint, filming with Matchstick

Productions (MSP). “We once again scored the most insane conditions—waking

up to 30cm of fresh snow for ten days straight,” he recalls. For any skier, that’s

a fairytale scenario, and for an athlete of Porteous’ calibre, it was the perfect

canvas to showcase his skill.

Challenges in Europe

Despite the dream runs in Japan, the European season hasn’t been quite as

smooth. “I'm currently based in Innsbruck, Austria, and unfortunately, the snow

conditions in Europe this season have been a bit tricky,” he admits. “We've had

long sunny periods and not many storms.”

But for someone as adaptable as Porteous, the lack of fresh powder hasn’t

meant a wasted season. “I've been able to make things work, spending

time in the French Alps and enjoying plenty of soft, slushy park days around

Innsbruck.” While not ideal, it’s a reminder that even at the top of the game,

athletes must be flexible and make the most of the conditions they’re dealt.

Nico Porteous performs near Wanaka, photographer Miles Holden / Red Bull Content Pool


Kiwi Skiing on the Rise

Porteous isn’t just focused on his own progression, he’s got a keen eye on the next

generation of Kiwi skiers. With young guns like Luca Harrington and Rocco Jamieson

making waves, the future of New Zealand freeskiing looks bright.

“New Zealand is on a roll this season! It’s so sick to watch everyone’s success,”

Porteous says. “I think what I attribute it to is their drive and work ethic. Luca, Finley,

Rocco, and Cam are all incredibly talented, but what really sets them apart is their

passion for riding and how hard they work to achieve their goals. It’s been absolutely

insane to watch them rise through the ranks, and now two out of four are World

Champions! Insane.”

Luca, in particular, credited Porteous as a mentor in his own interview, a testament to

the influence Porteous has had on New Zealand’s growing dominance in the sport.

Staying Strong and Looking Ahead

Injuries are a constant risk in freeskiing, but Porteous has managed to stay healthy

this season. “Thankfully, I’ve been injury-free, which has been amazing.”

With a strong body and an even stronger mindset, he’s gearing up for new challenges.

“I’ve got a few filming projects in the pipeline that I can’t say too much about, but I’m

really excited to get to work on those.”

As for training, Porteous is making some changes. “Haha, I’ve been climbing a lot

recently, as well as starting to get into running, which has been really cool. What I’ve

learned now that I’m getting a little older is that doing back-to-back winters really

takes a toll on your body. Staying fit and healthy, as well as focusing on recovery,

makes a huge difference in longevity.”

Nico Porteous finding space - Photographer Miles Holden / Red Bull Content Pool

“LUCA, FINLAY, ROCCO,

AND CAM ARE ALL

INCREDIBLY TALENTED,

BUT WHAT REALLY SETS

THEM APART IS THEIR

PASSION FOR RIDING

AND HOW HARD THEY

WORK TO ACHIEVE

THEIR GOALS. IT’S BEEN

ABSOLUTELY INSANE

TO WATCH THEM RISE

THROUGH THE RANKS,

AND NOW TWO OUT

OF FOUR ARE WORLD

CHAMPIONS! INSANE.”

J U N E 2 025// 19

Nico Porteous performs near Wanaka, New Zealand, August 2nd, 2024. // Miles Holden / Red Bull Content Pool

“I’VE GOT A FEW

FILMING PROJECTS IN

THE PIPELINE THAT I

CAN’T SAY TOO MUCH

ABOUT, BUT I’M REALLY

EXCITED TO GET TO

WORK ON THOSE.”

20// S K I A N DSNOW.CO.NZ J U N E 2 025// 21

New Horizons

Even for a skier who’s seen the best the

world has to offer, some places still manage

to leave a mark. “Myoko, Japan—this place

is amazing, with the best terrain in Japan in

my opinion.”

For Nico Porteous, 2024-25 has been a

season of contrasts—legendary powder in

Japan, challenging conditions in Europe,

and an ever-growing role as a leader in New

Zealand’s ski scene. As he gears up for

new projects and continues to fine-tune his

approach to training, one thing is certain:

he’s nowhere near done pushing the limits of

what’s possible on skis.

Nico Porteous Wanaka, photographer Miles Holden / Red Bull Content Pool

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>>LONG READ

THE FUTURE OF SNOW

Words by Kate Evans

Over the coming years and decades, climate change will affect every aspect of our lives—including how we spend time in nature.

Award-winning science journalist Kate Evans, in collaboration with NZ Mountain Safety Council, takes a close look at what climate

change will mean for seasonal snow—and for our rivers—and what these changes may mean for outdoor adventures in Aotearoa.

On the morning of 18 July 2022, Aoraki/Mt

Cook avalanche forecaster Taichiro Naka

was in his room in the Alpine Guides’ staff

accommodation building at Mount Cook

village. It was pouring, and unseasonably

warm; a storm had rolled in from the

northwest over the Tasman Sea. Naka

knew it was probably raining higher up

in the mountains, too, and on a largerthan-usual

snowpack, the second biggest

for midwinter since snow-depth records

started at Mueller Hut in 2010.

The day before, Naka had issued a

warning via the NZ Avalanche Advisory

(NZAA), the country’s official backcountry

avalanche forecasting service provided by

NZ Mountain Safety Council (MSC). “Very

dangerous avalanche conditions,” he’d

written. “All ingredients for destructive wet

avalanches are here…Travel in avalanche

terrain is NOT recommended.”

Now, as he listened to the rain drumming

down on the corrugated iron roof, he

could hear something else, too: a deep,

continual rumbling, like the world’s longest

thunderclap. When the roar was over, Naka

grabbed his binoculars, camera, telephoto

lens, raincoat and gumboots, and jumped

into his car.

One minute later, he reached Hooker Valley

Road. The clouds lifted, and he could

see a massive avalanche sprawling down

Kitchener Creek, a river of rubbly ice and

snow muddied at the end with dirt, sticks

and even small shrubs the monster had

scraped off the valley floor as it charged

down the mountain.

The rock berm built by the Department of

Conservation just 4 years earlier to protect

Mount Cook village against a 1-in-100-year

avalanche had worked perfectly, diverting

the flow of snow safely away from the

town. “Money well spent,” says Naka.

WILD STORMS AND WEAK LAYERS

The 2022 storm brought 550 mm of snow

and rain to the Southern Alps in just

over 72 hours, an “unprecedented winter

rainfall" event in this location, according

to a paper published in the Geophysical

Research Letters science journal in 2023.

Since 1928, only three other storms

have produced more rainfall, but they all

happened in summer.

The warmer-than-usual winter

temperatures meant it rained rather than

snowed, even at high elevations. Water

saturating the deep snowpack caused

the Kitchener avalanche—the largest

there since 1986, running nearly 2 km and

destroying almost a hectare of forest—as

well as numerous other avalanches and

debris flows elsewhere in the mountains.

The winter of 2023, by contrast, featured

a completely different climate problem,

but one that also caused widespread

avalanches. Snow fell at the start of the

season, and then there was a long dry

spell. That caused the surface of the snow

to harden, with sugar-like crystals then

growing on top. When snow eventually fell,

it didn’t bond properly to the hard layer

beneath causing a persistent weak layer.

“We had a persistent weak layer pretty much

everywhere in the Southern Alps,” says

Kevin Boekholt, a director of Alpine Guides

and an NZAA forecasting coordinator

based in Methven.

That meant any travel in the mountainous

backcountry, including mountaineering,

skiing or boarding, risked triggering a slab

avalanche, even at a distance. “Somebody

can be skiing down on a relatively flat area

of terrain, and they can send a wave of

energy through the snowpack and trigger an

avalanche on an adjacent slope.”

That’s exactly what happened in 2023:

we saw some of the biggest natural and

human-triggered avalanches possible

in New Zealand, says MSC Operations

Manager Nathan Watson. There were

several close calls, but no-one was killed.

That year, the NZAA frequently warned of

the dangerous conditions caused by the

persistent weak layer.

People changed their plans accordingly,

says Boekholt, cancelling trips or heading

to the West Coast or upper Haupapa/

Tasman Glacier where conditions were

safer. “It significantly affected the whole

backcountry industry.”

There was less demand for his company’s

helicopter service, and backcountry huts,

such as those in the Cass Valley, had

cancellations for months. “People were well

aware that conditions in the backcountry

weren't safe. They really took heed of the

avalanche advisory last year, and as a result

of that there weren't a lot of people in the

mountains.”

Boekholt has worked as an alpine guide

in the Southern Alps for 40 years. While

there’s always been variability, winters used

to be more predictable, he says. “There’s

no normalised pattern anymore.”

“THESE SWINGS BETWEEN

EXTREMES ARE EXPECTED TO

BECOME MORE COMMON AS

THE CLIMATE WARMS.“

These swings between extremes are

expected to become more common as

the climate warms, so what does the

future hold for our snow and the rivers the

meltwater feeds?

THE SCIENCE OF SNOW

Dr Todd Redpath grew up in Southland

and spent high school and university

going snowboarding at every opportunity.

“I used to spend all winter just trying to

figure out how to get up the mountain at the

weekend, and it hasn’t really left me... It’s a

big motivator.”

Redpath, who is now a scientist, has spent

years trying to answer what sounds like a

simple question: what will climate change

mean for recreation in the snow in New

Zealand? “Are we still going to be able to

go snowboarding or skiing in 10 years? Fifty

years? A hundred years, if I live that long?”

That question is surprisingly difficult to

answer. In other parts of the world, like

the American Rockies, South American

Andes and European Alps, there’s a clear

link between global warming and rising

snowlines, shorter ski seasons, and less

snow in fewer places. Here, the likely

impacts are a little more complex to tease

out, Redpath explains.

“We can't really say with a lot of confidence

that we're going to see the snow season

reduced by X percent or snow depth

decreased by Y percent. That's still relatively

tricky, and there just hasn't been a lot of

research done in that space.”

“AS THE CLOUDS LIFTED, TAICHIRO COULD SEE A MASSIVE

AVALANCHE SPRAWLING DOWN KITCHENER CREEK, A

RIVER OF RUBBLY ICE AND SNOW MUDDIED AT THE END

WITH DIRT, STICKS AND EVEN SMALL SHRUBS

THE MONSTER HAD SCRAPED OFF THE VALLEY

FLOOR AS IT CHARGED DOWN THE MOUNTAIN.”

Images by Taichiro Naka.


“CLIMATE CHANGE IS SET TO BRING WARMER TEMPERATURES, REDPATH SAYS, BUT

ALSO MORE PRECIPITATION IN SOME PLACES, ESPECIALLY THE SOUTHERN ALPS. WHEN,

WHERE, AND EXACTLY HOW THAT PRECIPITATION WILL FALL, AS SNOW OR RAIN, IS

FRUSTRATINGLY HARD TO PREDICT.“

There are two main reasons it’s tricky.

Firstly, our records aren’t very good. Snow

cover at the national scale is easiest to

measure from space, and we only have

reliable, regular satellite data for the last

quarter-century, from 2000.

The first attempt to scientifically model

the potential impacts of climate change

on snow across New Zealand was done

by NIWA researchers in 2012; the results

suggested we’ll see much less snow at

low elevations on average over the 21st

century, and possibly marginally more at

the highest elevations (above 2900 m.)

The other factor, though, is the dramatic

variability in climate conditions from year

to year, making it difficult to both untangle

what role global warming is playing and

to predict exactly how that warming might

play out in the mountains.

Snow requires both cold and precipitation.

Climate change is set to bring warmer

temperatures, Redpath says, but also

more precipitation in some places,

especially the Southern Alps. When,

where, and exactly how that precipitation

will fall, as snow or rain, is frustratingly

hard to predict.

Because of our location in the South

Pacific, New Zealand is buffeted by a

set of complex and interacting climate

patterns, Redpath explains. Wind direction,

timing, and a few degrees of variation in

temperature can dictate when and where

it snows. “Quite subtle differences can play

quite a big role here,” he says.

“A lot of our snowfall that does occur,

occurs within quite a narrow range of

temperatures close to zero degrees. So, any

particular snow event in New Zealand can

be really sensitive to exactly what orientation

that air mass takes, is it a little bit warmer

or a little bit cooler than normal? That can

tip the balance quite quickly between a big

snowfall event or a rain event in the middle

of winter.”

In August 2020, for instance, warm winds

and rain on snow closed Wānaka’s Treble

Cone for nearly a week, the snowpack

literally sliding off the mountain in some

places. Masters student Anita Bentley,

who Todd co-supervised, consulted three

decades of ski patrollers’ observations

from the Craigieburn club ski field in

Canterbury from 1991 to 2019. She

identified a gradual decline in snow depth

over that period, but also, around half of

the winter snow accumulation comes from

snowfall events where you get more than

15 cm dumped at once. For ski fields, “a

few of these big snowfall events through the

winter are really important”, says Redpath.

In general, climate change is likely to bring

more weather extremes—meaning the

swings between storms and droughts seen

in the South Island in 2022 and 2023 may

become a feature of our future, he says.

RAGING RIVERS, SIMULATING

SNOWMELT

The kind of heavy rain on snow seen in

2022 has downstream implications, too,

for people spending time in the outdoors

well below the snowline. When rain melts

snow, it can supercharge floodwaters,

making rivers more dangerous and

damaging infrastructure and homes. The

July 2022 downpour took out an entire

bridge on Ohau Road near Twizel, cutting

off the nearby village and Lake Ohau

Lodge, and caused the Omarama stream

to jump its usual course.

Similarly, in March 2019, snow- and icemelt

added 400 mm of runoff, increasing

river flow in the Waiho catchment by 20%

and destroying the state highway bridge

at Franz Josef Village.

“If you’re someone that’s thinking about

the flood hazard downstream, you’re not

just considering the 150 mm of rain in the

forecast, you also have to think, how much

snow is there? How much of that snow might

melt, and what does that add to the runoff?”

says Redpath. “That hasn’t really been

thought of explicitly in New Zealand before.”

But it is now. Hydrological forecasting

scientist Dr Jono Conway from NIWA is

leading a team of scientists working on

exactly this question. They’re working on

a 3-year project to develop a modelling

system to accurately simulate snowmelt,

which should help to predict flooding up

to 5 days into the future. MSC is a project

partner and will help to test the models,

with the hope that this leads to improved

safety information for public use.

If it’s funded long-term, in a few years’ time

people planning a walk or tramp may be

able to check not only the weather forecast

on MSC’s trip planning tool Plan My Walk

and avalanche forecast on the NZAA,

but the snow-melt runoff predictions too,

before heading out, he says.

“It will be another tool in the toolbox,” says

Conway, a way for people to visualise the

risks. “So, you don’t look at a weather map

and think, ‘Oh, it’s a sunny day, the rivers are

going to be low’, when actually, because of

heavy rainfall and snow melt the day before,

there may still be high river flows.”

SURVIVING VIA SNOWMAKING

In a related paper, the authors of the 2012

NIWA snow study predicted that under

most likely future scenarios, the number

of snow-days at commercial ski fields

will fall as the century progresses, as will

possible snow-making hours—a reduction

of 40% percent by 2090. The snow cover

is set to thin by then too. By how much

is uncertain, but somewhere between

48% and 9% of current maximum snow

depths, on average.

However, the paper also suggested that

ski areas may be able to offset much of

the natural snow losses with snowmaking.

More research needs to be done, Redpath

says, but in the meantime, ski field

operators are investing heavily in state-ofthe-art

snowmaking equipment.

“Snowmakers are very much a necessary

part of our industry now, and will be into

the future as well,” says Mt Hutt Ski Area

Manager James McKenzie.

The new electric machines are

more energy-efficient and power up

automatically when on-board temperature

monitors tell them conditions are right

for making good quality snow, says

McKenzie, saving electricity, water, and

money. “Our windows for snowmaking are

getting shorter and shorter, so we need to

start up and shut down much more quickly

than we used to,” he says.

Earning your turns;

about to ski off

Mt Rolleston, Arthur’s

Pass National Park,

New Zealand.

Photo by Tom Hoyle.

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ONE NZ SATELLITE

Left to right: Aoraki/Mt Cook avalanche forecaster Taichiro Naka; Director at Alpine Guides, Kevin Boekholt; and MSC Operations Manager Nathan Watson (photo credit: Sarah Topliff)

TXT from

way off the

There’s also the option of additives

that help catalyse the creation of snow

crystals and reduce evaporation—a costly

solution, but one that might need to be

used more often as snowmaking weatherwindows

narrow.

Whakapapa ski field on Mt Ruapehu, on the

other hand, has installed a “Snowfactory”

which can spit out snow even when the

mercury hits 20 degrees. But scientists

point out that the warmer and wetter the

weather, the more energy and water is

required to make snow. According to some

estimates, running a Snowfactory for two

days uses as much electricity as a typical

NZ house does in a year.

More frequent wild weather is another

emerging issue, says Ewan Mackie, Treble

Cone’s Ski Area Manager and RealNZ

Sustainability Lead. “At some point the

snow will run out, but that is relatively distant.

The challenge now is the extreme weather…

that interrupts our ability to operate safely

and reliably.”

“WE’VE JUST GOT TO BE READY FOR

WHATEVER MOTHER NATURE THROWS AT US”

Winters have always been variable in

New Zealand, but commercial operators

are preparing for the unpredictability to

increase. At the same time, that variation

does mean ski fields may continue to

have some good years for a long time yet,

says McKenzie.

“It just takes one snow event to set us up for

the start of winter. Even in a cold winter you

could end up with a pretty bad snow year—

and vice versa.

“We’ve just got to be ready for whatever

Mother Nature throws at us. That’s always

been the case, we know it’s just going to

get harder—which is why we’re [investing]

to help us do things more quickly and more

efficiently.”


BACKCOUNTRY BOOM

For two decades, backcountry skier,

outdoor enthusiast and emergency doctor

Marc Gutenstein and his group of mostlymedical

friends have looked forward to

their annual week off-piste together—old

mates catching up in the backcountry for

a mountain fix.

As they haul their skis up the lift-less

slopes, they sometimes worry about their

personal responsibility when it comes to

the environment. “If we drive around New

Zealand chasing the snow, or occasionally

ride in a helicopter if we’re feeling

extravagant, you can’t deny that you’re

contributing carbon to the atmosphere,

which is driving climate change. We’ve been

through stages, some winters, of feeling

like—how can we do this anymore?”

At the same time, Gutenstein says,

he knows addressing global warming

requires collective and institutional action,

and his individual contribution, while

real, is small. Ultimately, he’s decided

he has to live with the

contradictions, use

his carbon on skiing—

his passion—and

sacrifice in other ways.

He worries that when his own young

children are grown, skiing may become

too technically difficult, inaccessible or

unaffordable. “Will it just become a boutique

activity? I kind of think they won’t be skiing in

New Zealand.”

Back in the day, Gutenstein and his

mates often had slopes to themselves,

but backcountry skiing has become a lot

more mainstream, he says, partly due to

improved and more affordable gear. But

climate change may be playing a role,

too—as glaciers retreat and snowlines

rise, more people are crowding into fewer

accessible places.

MSC anticipates backcountry recreation

will continue to grow in popularity, says

Operations Manager Nathan Watson. “We

expect to see more and more people looking

towards the backcountry as a place to get

their snow fix.”

“Snowmaking aside, most ski fields are

already utilising all the easily accessible

skiable terrain—there’s little room for them

to chase retreating snowlines higher up the

mountain. And club fields, like Tukino, Temple

Basin or Craigieburn don’t currently have

snowmakers; they’re entirely dependent on

natural snow, in a bad year, they’ll simply

have to close,” says Watson.

“A backcountry skier or boarder can choose

to go anywhere they like to find snow, so

the opportunities and possibilities are near

limitless compared to a ski area. In the

backcountry, you can often go higher. The

natural snow is there if you want to work for

it, even in lean years like the current one.”

For beginners, there are clear safety

implications, he says, as the backcountry

differs significantly from the controlled

ski areas. “An influx of people without the

proper training, equipment and skills to

manage their own safety risks, increasing

injuries and accidents.”

Gutenstein says skiers and boarders

need to be ready for a wide range of

snow conditions if they plan to tackle

the backcountry. “You’re going to get

ice conditions, you’re going to get crusty

conditions, your skis are going to get ruined.

You just have to be okay with skiing in

extremely variable conditions. It’s always

been that way—but it’s going to get worse.”

Climate change might make it harder to

get the “powder shots”, and require more

careful attention to slope stability, weather

and avalanche danger, “but I just love being

out there,” he says.

“We live in this completely glorious country.

If it’s crusty, if it’s icy, if it’s powdery, if it’s

rocky—whatever! We’re out there, we’re

doing it... I’m in it for the whole experience.”

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ROCCO JAMIESON

‘IT’S ABOUT THE FUN”

Snowboarding for Rocco Jamieson, has always been about the

feeling, the freedom, and the fun. But now, at just 18, that mindset is

carrying him to the top of the sport.

In February, he landed a bronze medal at the X Games in Aspen,

Colorado, a huge milestone in a breakout season. Before that, under the

floodlights in Chur, Switzerland, he launched himself into the finals of the

Big Air World Cup, where thousands of fans packed the landing zone,

watching as he dropped in and stomped the best result of his career, a

second-place finish and a never-before-seen trick in competition, the

Rubix Flip. With that, he had officially arrived.

His 2024/25 season is off to a flying start, and with the Milano Cortina

2026 Olympic Winter Games on the horizon, he’s riding a wave of

momentum. But for Rocco, it’s never been about one defining moment.

He’s been strapped into a snowboard since he was two and always knew

this was where he wanted to be.

Livigno, Italy 2024


“I’M NOT A HUCKER. I’M PRETTY

CALCULATED SO IT DOESN’T FEEL LIKE

A RISK IF YOU’VE DECIDED TO DO IT. OF

COURSE YOU HAVE TO HAVE A LITTLE HUCK

IN YOU BUT IT’S ABOUT BEING READY.

AGAIN, THE MENTAL THING IS THE BIGGIE.”

Aspen, Colorado at the X Games Big Air 2025

Rocco maintains life as a pro snowboarder isn’t all about the big competitions,

though. On a typical training day in New Zealand, he’s up by 6:30 am, spends

twenty minutes in a kit crisis, eats, and heads up the mountain. Once there, it’s

warm-up, a session with the crew, then time to dial in a specific trick before lunch.

Snowboarding might look like an adrenaline-fueled free-for-all, but at this level,

it’s all about precision. The balance between progression and injury prevention

is everything. Rocco never throws a new trick unless he’s completely ready, he

puts in hours of tramp work to build air awareness, and the mental game is just as

crucial as the physical.


“AT THE END OF THE DAY,

IT’S JUST RIDING A PLANK

DOWN A HILL. IF YOU’RE

DOING IT FOR THE RIGHT

REASONS, THINGS WILL

FALL INTO PLACE.”

Some days, you just know it’s not the right day to push something

new. His toughest trick so far has been the switch backside 19, landing

it was a battle in his own head more than anything else. But the one

that still haunts him is the back 14 pull back. He’s been trying it all

season and still hasn’t nailed it.

The mental side of snowboarding is something a lot of people

underestimate. Rocco figures it’s about 70 percent mental, 30 percent

physical. By the time you’re dropping in at a comp, you already

know you can land your run, it’s just about holding it together under

pressure.

“DON’T GO INTO IT OR TREAT IT LIKE A JOB. AT THE

END OF THE DAY IT’S RIDING A PLANK DOWN A HILL

SO YOU CAN’T TAKE IT TOO SERIOUSLY. IF YOU DO IT

FOR THE RIGHT REASONS, HOPEFULLY THINGS WILL

FALL INTO PLACE.”

At this stage of the season, the mental exhaustion is as tough as the

physical strain, and it takes serious focus to keep pushing. For Rocco,

keeping the pressure in check means making sure he’s riding for the

right reasons. If you’re not enjoying it, you’re just pushing shit uphill.

Every trick is calculated, and if he decides to send something, it’s

because he has already worked through the risk. The best part of

competing is the people, being surrounded by riders from all over the

world who share a similar lifestyle. The worst part? The mental fatigue

by the end of the season.

“Again, just making sure I’m doing it for the right reasons and enjoying

it. It’s so much pressure so if you aren’t loving you’re just pushing shit

up hill.”

Snowboarding is evolving fast, and staying ahead of the curve is a

challenge. Rocco believes the sport is shifting slightly, with more

emphasis on creative tricks rather than just going bigger. Right now,

he’d be less scared to throw an 18 than some of the more technical,

creative tricks being done. He thinks the new Snow League and X

Games formats will help push the sport in the right direction. ‘The level

of riding is insane, and it takes total commitment to stay in the mix’.

His advice to younger riders looking to make a career out of

snowboarding? Don’t treat it like a job. At the end of the day, it’s just

riding a plank down a hill. If you’re doing it for the right reasons, things

will fall into place. Looking back, he wouldn’t change a thing. He rode

purely for fun and only started competing internationally two seasons

ago. The timing felt right, and it worked out. Along the way, he’s had

key mentors, including the Sunday in the Park and Mayhem crew, but

the biggest influence has been Ståle Sandbech.

Rocco’s journey so far wouldn’t have been possible without the

support of his crew. He gives massive credit to his dad and coach, AJ,

as well as Jamie, Ivan, and the Sportive crew. Brad from Skullcandy,

Cardrona and the Cardrona park crew, Jem from Rad, BS Rabbit,

Superheroes Management, and Monster Army have all played a role in

getting him to where he is now.

Image by Neil Kerr / Winter Games NZ


“

WISH YOU

WERE HERE”

“THEN I SAW HIM; GRINNING

WIDE, LAUNCHING OFF THE

DOUBLE-XL RAMP, FRAMED BY

THE SNOW-COVERED PEAKS OF

BIG WHITE, WITH "WISH YOU

WERE HERE" STAMPED ON THE

BACK OF HIS T-SHIRT.”

Words by Lynne Dickinson

Images by Steve Dickinson, Vicki Knell and Lynne Dickinson

It started with a shout, a primal, unrestrained expression of the pure thrill

of skiing. Then I saw him; grinning wide, launching off the double-XL ramp,

framed by the snow-covered peaks of Big White, with "Wish You Were Here"

stamped on the back of his t-shirt. As I grabbed my phone to take a shot, it hit

me immediately, how could you not wish you were here?

This is my 9th trip to Canada for skiing,

and my 4th at Big White Ski Resort.

People often ask why I keep coming back

when there are endless other places to

ski. Simple answer: there’s something

about Canada that keeps pulling me back.

Skiing anywhere in the world can be a

roll of the dice; no place can guarantee

perfect snow or flawless weather. But

what Canada, and Big White, in particular,

offers, is an experience that feels real. It’s

not just a ski resort; it’s a raw, unfiltered

winter experience that cuts through the

commercial fluff of other destinations.

Big White is just a short 1-hour flight from

Vancouver, and the closest ski area to

Kelowna. The shuttle ride from the airport

takes about 45 minutes, meaning there’s

no need to deal with rentals or cars, the

adventure starts the moment you’re picked

up. Our driver, Dean, epitomized that laidback,

welcoming Canadian hospitality

that’s always one of the highlights of the

trip. The vibe was easy, unforced, and

immediately set the tone for the week ahead.

“SKIING ANYWHERE

IN THE WORLD CAN

BE A ROLL OF THE

DICE; NO PLACE

CAN GUARANTEE

PERFECT SNOW OR

FLAWLESS WEATHER.

BUT WHAT CANADA,

AND BIG WHITE, IN

PARTICULAR, OFFERS

IS AN EXPERIENCE

THAT FEELS REAL.”

The minute we arrived at Big White, it felt like we had entered an entirely

different world. Snow-draped trees and alpine buildings framed the base of

the mountain. The village was already gearing up for its weekly carnival and

fireworks show, just one of the many free events that bring Big White to life.

Check-in was quick, skis were sorted, passes were issued, and we were off.

This wasn’t some sterile resort experience, it was the real deal.


“TO PUT BIG WHITE’S SCALE INTO

PERSPECTIVE, THE RESORT AREA

IS NEARLY FIVE TIMES THE SIZE

OF WHAKAPAPA SKI FIELD IN NEW

ZEALAND AND SIX TIMES THE SIZE

OF CARDRONA.”

Image compliments of Big White Ski Resort

J U N E 2 025// 41

The next morning, we woke up to fresh snow under

clear skies. We hit the mountain, and the first thing I

realized was that local knowledge is invaluable. Big

White Resort is huge, 7,759 acres, to be precise.

Conditions vary massively across the resort, and

that’s why getting the inside scoop from those who

know the place best is key. Big White’s free Snow

Host program is an excellent resource for those

looking to find the best lines. By 10 a.m., they’re

already in the village, leading groups to the prime

conditions.

To put Big White’s scale into perspective, the resort

area is nearly five times the size of Whakapapa

Ski Field in New Zealand and six times the size of

Cardrona. The vastness of the resort means there’s

a mix of everything, and the conditions can change

drastically from one run to the next. With some solid

snow early in the week, we had a near-perfect run

of conditions, and the Snow Hosts, combined with

live webcams, helped guide us to the runs with the

clearest skies and the best snow.

“BIG WHITE’S

FREE MOUNTAIN

HOST PROGRAM

IS AN EXCELLENT

RESOURCE FOR

THOSE LOOKING

TO FIND THE

BEST LINES.”

Vicki exploring the Twinkling Trail

BY THE NUMBERS

Season: Mid-November - Mid April

Annual Snowfall: 750cm (average)

Average Temperature: -5 degrees

Celcius

Elevation: Summit: 2,319m

Vertical Drop: 777m

Skiable Terrain: 2,765 ac

Groomed Area: 905 ac

Alpine and Glades: 1,525 ac

Night Skiing Area: 38 ac

Longest Run: Around the World

7.2km (Whitefoot Trail, Powder

Bowl, Blue Sapphire and Ogo Slow

to the Gem Lake Base Area)

Beginner Runs: 18%

Lynne and Greg enjoying the fresh snow and blue skies

Steve and Vicki making fresh tracks on one of the perfectly groomed runs

Throughout the week, we saw every type of weather. One moment, it was snowing

heavily; the next, the skies cleared, revealing perfect bluebird conditions. Fresh snow

is a rush, but it also brings its challenges, especially when visibility drops. Luckily, the

trees offer a natural guide. A local tipped us off to Black Forest, where the gladed runs

offered solid visibility and a bit of respite from the storm. By mid-week, as the clouds

parted, the runs in the trees became even more enjoyable; faster, more forgiving, and

perfect for carving up fresh snow.

Fresh snow!

Gathering invaluable info from the Snow Hosts

Our second order of BeaverTails!

When the skies finally cleared, there was no better place to be than at the top of Gem

Lake, where the snow ghosts stood like frozen sentinels. These trees, encrusted in rime

ice, formed intricate, almost otherworldly shapes; a surreal, Dr. Seuss-like landscape to

carve through. The runs down to the base quickly became some of our favourites. And

for a mid-run break, we hit the BeaverTails stand right by the lift. If you haven’t had one,

you’re missing out; fried dough shaped like a beaver’s tail, covered in cinnamon sugar

and a slice of lemon. Pure indulgence after a few hard runs.

The spa pools at Sundance Resort

Snow falling in the village on our arrival



“BIG WHITE IS

KNOWN FOR BEING

A FAMILY-FRIENDLY

RESORT, BUT IT’S

ALSO GOT GRIT. ”



“AFTER FOUR VISITS, I CAN CONFIDENTLY

SAY WE’LL BE BACK AGAIN. THERE’S JUST

SOMETHING ABOUT IT THAT KEEPS YOU

COMING BACK FOR MORE. “

Big White is known for being a family-friendly resort, but it’s also got

grit. The village may be small, but it packs a punch with a variety of

restaurants, bars, and evening entertainment; whether it’s live music

or quiz nights, there’s something going on every night. It’s a place

that doesn’t just cater to skiers; it celebrates everyone who enjoys the

mountain lifestyle.

The ski-in, ski-out experience at Big White is a game-changer. There’s

no need to waste time walking or relying on shuttles. You step out of

your accommodation, click into your skis, and you’re on the slopes. The

efficiency of it all makes the experience feel streamlined, direct, and, let’s

face it, damn convenient. No distractions, no delays, just skiing.

But it’s not just about the skiing. Big White is stacked with other

activities, from tubing and ice skating to dog sledding and snowmobiling.

After a few days of charging through the snow, we treated ourselves to a

post-ski massage at The Spa at Stonebridge Lodge. If you’re looking for

a luxury experience after a few gruelling days on the mountain, this is it.

A perfect way to reset and get back out there.

Big White is a place that sticks with you. It’s not about the fluff, it’s about

the experience. After four visits, I can confidently say we’ll be back

again. There’s just something about it that keeps you coming back for

more. It’s not just another resort; it’s a destination that delivers, day in

and day out. The locals say it best when they say “Wish You Were Here.”


INSIDER INFO

Getting to Big White from New

Zealand is a breeze. Air New Zealand

offers direct flights to Kelowna via

Vancouver, cutting down on travel

time and hassle.

Once you land in Kelowna, Big

White’s shuttle service will take you

straight to your accommodation, no

need to rent a car.

We stayed at Sundance Resort, just

a two-minute walk from the village

and a 50-meter glide to the Bullet

chairlift. The lodge comes with all

the perks; a heated swimming pool,

two outdoor hot tubs, a pool table,

and a movie room. It was the perfect

base for our week-long adventure.

Every afternoon, we’d hit the hot tub,

swapping stories with other skiers

and soaking up the post-run vibe.

What sets skiing in Canada, and our

accommodation at Sundance Lodge

in Big White, apart, is the ski-in,

ski-out access. Stepping out of the

lodge, clicking into your skis, and

skiing straight onto the lift is the kind

of convenience that turns a good trip

into an effortless one.

So good it hurts.

Mānuka Care

for Active Lips.

Teaching local teens at Afriski, Lesotho

sending it at Gold Coast Park, Squaw Valley, California

CONFESSIONS OF A SKI INSTRUCTOR

Words and images by Rooster

Augusto Burone Risso, a.k.a. Rooster, is a fully

certified ski instructor and trainer and an IFSA Freeride

coach, currently based at Aspen Snowmass, Colorado.

Originally from Argentina, he has worked in ski resorts in

the United States, New Zealand, Australia, Argentina, Chile,

Japan, and Lesotho in Africa, where he has also competed

in Freeride, Ski Racing, and Freestyle. In this interview,

he shares his personal experience of doing back-to-back

winters around the world.

What's it like living without ever seeing summer?

Well, if you are passionate about skiing, it doesn't feel like

you're missing anything. It's great, actually. I did back-toback

winter seasons (north and south hemisphere) for about

twelve years. Of course, I always had a brief taste of summer

in between, where I spent three to six weeks in places like

Mexico, the Philippines, or Indonesia. But I hadn't had a full,

proper summer in a long time—until the pandemic in 2020.

And, you know, after twelve years of back-to-back winters,

it didn't feel that bad, especially because I spent it in Tahoe,

California. I realized then that there were things to do in

summer too, especially if you are in the right place.

Favourite places to ski on Earth?

I would choose a few. The first one would be Squaw Valley

in California, where I spent eight winter seasons. The terrain,

the views of Lake Tahoe, and the energy of that place make

that mountain very unique. Snow conditions can be variable;

you may have days of chest-deep powder and others of icy

or slushy conditions, but that shapes you as a skier too.

Niseko in Japan would be another pick. Best powder skiing

in the world. Before I skied there, I had seen so many videos

and ski segments of that place and how much snow they get

that it became a personal goal to do a season there just to

see if all that was true. And it didn't disappoint. It's real.

Then I would add The Remarkables in New Zealand, where I

competed in Freeride for the first time. I don't know if I was

lucky, but the two days I skied there, it was blue sky and

perfect snow. And the terrain of that mountain is just great.

And lastly, I would say Portillo in Chile. In my opinion, it has

the best terrain and, more often than not, also the best snow

conditions in South America.

“YOU HAVE TO FEEL IT AND BE PASSIONATE

ABOUT IT... THEN YOU ALREADY HAVE THE MOST

IMPORTANT QUALITY OF A GOOD SKIER.“

10 hacks to become a better skier?

I'm afraid my answer could be a bit geeky on this one because

nothing comes easy, especially in such a technical sport like skiing.

But I'll give you my ten:

1. Love. As with everything else in life, you have to feel it and be

passionate about it. If you do, then you already have the most

important quality of a good skier.

2. Keep an open mind. Don't limit your conception of what skiing

is to this or that.

3. Patience. Practice and repetition make mastery. The most

flawless skiers have hours and hours of doing the same thing

over and over again.

4. Get involved. There are ski associations in most countries that

offer courses to improve your skiing. Here in the U.S., you

have PSIA; in New Zealand, NZSIA; and in Australia, APSI. In

New Zealand, you also have The Rookie Academy, which is a

program that takes place at Treble Cone every winter and is run

by some of the most experienced ski trainers from the U.S.,

Canada, and Europe. So, a great opportunity to improve your

skiing right there.

5. Get out of your comfort zone. If you are the type of skier who

loves ski racing or spending most of your time on the groomers,

then go to the terrain park, hit some jumps, and learn a few

tricks. And vice versa—if you are a “park rat,” then hit some

gates and do a race camp. That will only make you a more

versatile and better skier.

6. Take advantage of indoor facilities, like Woodward, for example,

where you have trampolines, foam pits, and other resources to

improve your aerials. In New Zealand, you have places like that

in both Queenstown and Wanaka. And although smaller, they

are still great.

7. Get the right equipment. (Probably this one should've been

higher up on the list.) Find the right ski boots for you, and get

your canting done!

8. Online tutorials. There is plenty of online material that you will

find for free on platforms like YouTube or Instagram.

9. Be humble. In the way that you will always find areas of your

skiing to improve—without feeling frustrated about it, of course.

10. Keep it fun. Don't forget to enjoy it.

That’s It SPF30+ Lip Balm.

Your protective barrier against

harsh winter elements.

www.thatsit.nz


THE ART AND

IMPORTANCE OF

POLE PLANTING

“STABBING THE

BUNNY RABBIT” IS

AN ESSENTIAL POLE

PLANTING TECHNIQUE

FOR MOGULS“

Words by Rooster

There are many misconceptions about ski poles and their function. Historically,

when skiing was primarily a means of transport, poles were used for propulsion. Today,

skiing has evolved into a sport with multiple disciplines, and the role of ski poles varies

accordingly.

The Role of Poles in Ski Racing

In disciplines like giant slalom (GS) and slalom, poles are crucial. In GS, skiers use

longer, ergonomically shaped poles to push off at the start and gain momentum quickly.

In slalom, poles also serve to hit gates, which is why slalom racers use fist guards to

protect their hands when knocking gates aside.

Recreational Skiing and Pole Use

For many recreational skiers, the purpose of ski poles is not immediately clear. Beginners

often carry poles without using them effectively. In fact, pole planting only becomes a

functional technique at advanced and expert levels.

Some skiers request lessons specifically to learn pole planting. While instructors can

demonstrate the motion, a true “functional pole plant” only emerges when a skier has

the skills to integrate it properly. In group lessons, poles are typically introduced at

intermediate levels, focusing first on correct hand positioning: hands forward, equal

distance from the ground, with slightly flexed elbows.

Terrain-Specific Pole Planting

The function of a pole plant varies depending on terrain:

• Groomed Runs: Here, pole planting is more of a “pole touch” or “pole swing,” used

to time the transition between turns. Ideally, the pole tip lightly touches the snow as

the skier initiates the next turn. This rhythm helps create consistent, controlled turns.

• Moguls: In mogul skiing, the pole plant becomes a “blocking pole plant.” Olympic

mogul skier Jonny Moseley once described it as “stabbing the bunny rabbit” (a vivid

but harsh analogy). The goal is to plant the pole firmly on top of the mogul, which

helps control speed and prevents overturning. Without effective pole use, skiing a

zipper line through moguls is significantly harder.

• Steep Terrain: On steep slopes, pole planting aids in initiating turns by reaching

downhill, projecting the skier’s body into the fall line, making turn initiation smoother

and more controlled.

• Variable Terrain: In mixed conditions, skiers combine different pole techniques.

Sometimes a light pole touch is needed, other times a strong blocking plant,

depending on the snow and the turns required.

Key Technique Considerations

Regardless of terrain, a proper pole plant comes primarily from the wrist, not the

entire arm. Excessive arm movement can disrupt balance and control. A slight elbow

movement is acceptable, but hands should remain forward, never dropping too low.

Mastering pole planting is an essential skill for advanced and expert skiers, helping

with timing, rhythm, balance, and control. Understanding how and when to use poles

effectively can significantly enhance skiing performance across all types of terrain.

A blocking pole plant on the moguls


MAKING SKIING

MEMORABLE

A JOURNEY THROUGH SUN PEAKS

Words by Lynne Dickinson

Images by Steve Dickinson, Vicki Knell and Lynne Dickinson

“Just turn ya feet, eh?” she said.

“What about my poles?” I asked.

“Don’t worry about them, just turn ya feet, eh.”

That simple advice came from none other than Nancy Greene

Raine, Canada’s most celebrated ski racer and named Canada’s Female

Athlete of the 20th Century. It was 2005 and we were on our first-ever

ski trip to Sun Peaks, and Nancy, along with her husband, Al Raine,

were at the heart of the Resort; they played a pivotal role in the resort’s

development and were the face of skiing, hosting free “Ski with Nancy”

mornings for visitors.

My memories of that trip were filled with images of perfectly groomed

runs and desperately trying to keep up with Nancy and Al, both over

20 years our seniors, as they showed us around their home resort.

Two decades later, when we returned to Sun Peaks, we were eager to

reconnect with Nancy and Al. But as we were making our last minute

plans, we learned that Al had passed away just two months before.

Al and Nancy were the heart and soul of Sun Peaks. They helped

transform it from a simple ski destination into a thriving, welcoming

community, giving it a character that went beyond just the slopes and that

legacy lives on.

On our arrival it was clear that Nancy and Al’s dream was still in good

hands. In 2010, the village was officially registered as a municipality, with

Al serving as its mayor until his passing. The community now boasts its

own elementary school where children ski to class, a covered skating rink,

a fitness centre, a doctor’s office, a golf course and a local pharmacy, all

supporting the 1,400 residents who call Sun Peaks home.

Despite the growth, Sun Peaks remains, at its very core, a ski resort with

so much to offer. 4270 acres (1728 hectares) of skiable terrain and 144

runs across three mountains, makes it Canada’s second largest ski resort.

Nature also plays its part gifting an average 6m (237”) of snow annually.

Although second in size only to Whistler, its snow is notoriously lighter

and drier due to its interior location and the crowds are notably absent.

“MY MEMORIES OF THAT TRIP

WERE FILLED WITH IMAGES

OF PERFECTLY GROOMED

RUNS AND DESPERATELY

TRYING TO KEEP UP WITH

NANCY AND AL, AS THEY

SHOWED US AROUND THEIR

HOME RESORT.”

BY THE NUMBERS

Season: Late November - Mid April

Annual Snowfall: 600cm (average)

Average Temperature: -5.5 degrees C

Elevation: Summit: 2,152m

Vertical Drop: 895m

Skiable terrain: 4,270 ac

Trails and Glades: 144 trails,

including 16 gladed areas

Longest Run: Five Mile is 8km

Beginner Runs: 10%

Intermediate Runs: 58%

Advanced/Expert Runs: 32%

This photo of us skiing with Nancy Greene was taken 20 years ago on our first trip to Sun Peaks


The view from our condo at Crystal Forest, managed by Bear Country Property Management- happy to be heading out for a ski after some fresh snow

Left to right: A little love on Showboat, the Sun Peaks sign at the top of the Sundance Express, Cinnamon Buns at the bottom of Morrisey

Image by Suz Kieran

There is a lot to take in at Sun Peaks Resort

with three mountain peaks, (Tod Mountain,

Sundance and Mount Morrisey). With so much

terrain it pays to use the Sun Host program,

where guides lead complimentary tours around

the mountain. For newcomers or anyone

wanting to find the best snow each day, their

local expertise is invaluable.

The Sunburst Express on Tod Mountain

provides access to the Sunburst Lodge where

each morning around 10 a.m, you’ll find the

only queues on the mountain, eager to get their

hands on the hot, freshly baked cinnamon buns.

It is also hosts an Alpine Fondue experience

twice a week, which is a must do while at

Sun Peaks. When the mountain closes for the

day the lodge is transformed into a fondue

restaurant where you will enjoy great food,

drinks and music before carving your way back

to the village via the freshly groomed 5 mile run.

A really unique experience.

Tod Mountain is the gateway to more advanced

terrain, with open bowls, challenging gladed

runs, and long, wide groomers. It has five

chairlifts, including the longest fixed grip

chairlift in the country, the Burfield, which takes

you 21 minutes to reach the summit of Tod

Mountain. From here the skiing options are

incredibly varied; as well as providing access

some of the most challenging terrain on the

mountain, it also is the start of the longest

green run “5 Mile”, which takes you from the

summit right back to the base of the village.

A highlight for us was exploring the newly

opened West Bowl Express Chairlift, which

takes you to the highest skiiable area (2,093m),

after a fresh snowfall. This area was once only

accessible by T-bar or on foot, but the new

West Bowl Express, a high-speed detachable

quad, has opened up the alpine terrain of Tod

Mountain unlocking the legendary West Bowl.

Known for its deep, untouched snow and jawdropping

views, this high-elevation terrain was

perfect for carving smooth, scenic turns.

There are four other lifts on Tod Mountain,

including the Sunburst Express which provides

access to some great blue and black runs and

you’ll likely be able to see the ski racers on

OSV run. The Nancy Greene International Race

Centre is located at Sun Peaks and you’ll often

find skiers race training at OSV run at the top

of the Elevation lift. The internationally renown

training centre brings race teams from around

the world to train here.

“A HIGHLIGHT FOR

US WAS THE NEWLY

OPENED WEST BOWL

EXPRESS CHAIRLIFT,

WHICH WE EXPLORED

AFTER A FRESH

SNOWFALL.”


Fresh snow and snow ghosts, Image by Adam Stein

Also accessible from the top of the Sunburst Express is the

Sunburst Lodge. Each morning around 10 a.m, is the only place we

experienced queues on the mountain, where everyone was eager to

get their hands on the hot, freshly baked, legendary, cinnamon buns.

The lodge also hosts an Alpine Fondue experience twice a week,

which is a must do while at Sun Peaks. When the mountain closes

for the day the lodge is transformed into a fondue restaurant where

you will enjoy great food, drinks and music before carving your

way back to the village via the freshly groomed 5 mile run. A really

unique experience.

Sundance Mountain has a lower elevation of 1730m and is often

bathed in sunshine, offering mainly intermediate terrain, groomed to

perfection, making it a great choice for cruisers. Grannie Greene’s

provided some excellent on-piste skiing during our stay. After a

day of fresh snow we headed to Three Bears, a long gladed run

the weaves through nicely spaced trees creating a picturesque and

varied run.

Dog sledding, one of the many off-piste activities available in Sun Peaks

Due to the spring like conditions that we experienced during our

visit, our favourite place to ski became Morrisey Mountain. Despite

the warmer than usual weather, the north-facing slopes kept the

snow in top condition, and we enjoyed a mix of gladed runs and

occasional steeps. Mid Life Crisis and CC Riders, all delivered great

snow every day, with incredible views of the other mountains and the

village below.

On our last night a competition was held in the village street.


LAUGH

LINES

NOT LIFT

LINES

SUN PEAKS.

WHERE YOU BELONG.

Above: Nancy and Al Raines, the heart and soul of Sun Peaks / Right: You just have to try the toffee apples!

For those looking for an alternative to Alpine skiing, Sun Peaks offers

extensive Nordic skiing terrain with 37 kilometers of groomed and 19

kilometers of backcountry trails. There’s also an abundance of off-piste

activities, including tubing, dogsledding, snowmobiling, skating rink and

sleigh rides.

Despite the development over the years we were surprised to find the main

street in Sun Peaks’ village has remained relatively unchanged since our

first visit. It is lined with charming restaurants and shops, including clothing

stores, art galleries, souvenir shops and the infamous chocolate shop that

sells the most amazing toffee apples. It’s incredible what the Canadians

can do with a toffee apple; coated in chocolate, M&Ms, sprinkles, and

almost anything else you can imagine, you simply cannot visit Sun Peaks

without trying one (or more).

Sun Peaks thrives as a ski destination, but it’s also a mountain community,

where people genuinely care about one another. I read that at Al Raines

memorial, some of those who attended honoured him by wearing shirts

that read: “Be Like Al (front); Be Nice (back)”, a testament to the type of

person Al was.

This simple yet powerful sentiment is very much part of the charm of Sun

Peaks. It’s a welcoming and fun place that not only offers amazing skiing

but also lets you truly feel part of the community. Every ski resort has

something unique, and Sun Peaks is one that Al would be proud of. Not

only does it offer great skiing, fantastic terrain, and incredible facilities, but

it also genuinely welcomes you to be part of that mountain community, no

matter how long you stay.

On our last day at Sun Peaks, as we stood at the top of Grannies

Green, a young snowboarder came carving down from above us and

then abruptly stopped 10 meters below us. He reached down towards

something glinting on the snow and picked it up. It was only as he stuffed

it into his pocket that I realised it was a discarded lolly wrapper. His job

done, with a thumbs-up and a smile, he was off again. It seemed to typify

that sentiment that this mountain belonged to the community; it was in

their care, and at Sun Peaks they are happy to share.


INSIDER INFO

Flying to Sun Peaks from NZ is

straightforward. Air New Zealand

flies directly to Kamploops via

Vancouver.

Accommodation at Sun Peaks

was expansive, with the new East

Village continuing to be developed.

We stayed at Crystal Forest,

managed by Bear Country Property

Management, a condominium

just 5 minutes walk into the main

village and a 100m skate to the

Morrissey and Orient Chairs. We

had our own spa pool that backed

onto the snowy courtyard and we

could watch people skiing down

Morrissey during the day and

see the groomers at work in the

evenings.

Although you will not see many

queues on the mountain, the

restaurants can get busy so it pays

to book in advance.

The fondue night experience is a

must do. There’s nothing quite like

skiing a perfectly groomed run with

friends under the night sky.

The mini market stocks a good

variety of grocery items.

Secwépemc Territory. Reuben Krabbe photo.

Canada’s second largest ski area.

Visit sunpeaksresort.com/winter

Neaba

Neaba

JAPAN

FULL OF HIDDEN TREASURES

Words by Phil Clark | Mad about Travel!

Japan, the home of JAPOW,

fantastic food, cultural experiences

and amazing ski resorts. We all know

about the classic Japanese ski resorts

of Niseko, Furano, Hakuba and Myoko

Kogan, but is there more? There sure is!

The Japanese are an interesting people,

when they get enthused about sports

or hobbies, they get REALLY enthused!

In the late 1980’s through to the 90’s

the Japanese people got really into

skiing, culminating with the 1998 winter

Olympics held in Nagano.

Between 1980 and 1998 an astonishing

ski boom happened with over 1500 ski

lifts built throughout Japan in 720 ski

resorts. The numbers of domestic skiiers

peaked at 18 million in 1998.

By the early 2000’s the boom was over,

and the fad had largely passed. The result

of this is many resorts closed and the ski

industry looked to international visitors to

boost their skier numbers.

As of 2024 there are around 500 ski

resorts in Japan with around 5 million

skiers.The result of this is that there are

an abundance of amazing ski resorts

with excellent facilities, great snow and

no people, scattered throughout the

Japanese alps.

Madarao & Tangram – Nagano

Prefecture: Located between Myoko

Kogan and Nozawa Onsen a short train

ride from Nagano, Madarao has two linked

ski resorts with a range of gladed tree

skiing and piste skiing. Being close to

the coast it’s famous for “madapow” an

abundance of light snow. Accommodation

is in local guest houses and basic

Japanese hotels. The combined ski resorts

have 16 lifts and around 600m of vertical

terrain.

Togakuishi - Nagano Prefecture: Located

just 24km from Nagano Togakuishi often

feels like a private ski resort just for you.

With 2 peaks, 19 runs and 7 chairlifts it’s

compact, but with untracked powder it

feels huge! The base is very quiet with

limited accommodation and it’s best done

as a day trip from Nagano. The village has

a ninja museum and is famous for soba

noodles so its worth having lunch there.

Manza Onsen – Gunma Prefecture:

Gunma is a province just north of Tokyo

with an abundance of small ski resorts.

With its historic village Manza Onsen is

an absolute must for onsen hounds. The

small resort is great for beginner and

intermediate skiers and is close to Kusatsu

Onsen ski resort. Combining a trip to

the two resorts is an awesome way to

combine great skiing and soaking!

Naeba & Kagura – Niigata Prefecture:

Linked with Kagura, Naeba resort is one of

the purpose-built resorts developed in the

1990 ski bubble. With a huge amount of

terrain and a ski in, ski out hotel it has well

developed facilities and infrastructure.

This is a large resort by Japanese

standards with 31 lifts and around 50

runs. They’re also easy to get to from

Tokyo and accommodation is either in the

huge Naeba Prince Hotel or if you stay

at Wadagoya lodge in Kagura you get

freshies every morning.

Lotte Arai – Niigata Prefecture: Built in

the 90’s as the luxurious Arai Mountain

resort and spa the resort closed in 2007,

and then reopened under new ownership

in 2017. Lotte Arai has been extensively

refurbished and offers a unique luxury

experience and some epic offpiste skiing.

Located 21km north of Myoko Kogan

near the coast, Lotte gets a huge amount

of snow and has 5 lifts including a long

gondola and 2 fast detachable chairs at

the top of the mountain. Lotte is a must for

powder hounds!


Experts at adventure travel since 2000

"where clients become friends"

Appi ski resort – Iwate Prefecture: Once

the largest resort in Tokoku, Appi has 3

large ski in, ski out hotels, 7 ski lifts and

a snow cat operation to access the side

country. It used to have more lifts but

many of these were retired, and replaced

with the snow cat. Having said this the

snow cat is an amazing way to access

fresh untracked slopes (for an additional

JPY3000 per run).

Located 580km north of Tokyo and

accessed by train and bus, the resort has

some epic powder lines behind the long

groomers and is well worth a look.

Shizukuishi – Iwate Prefecture:

Another Prince hotel ski resort (like Naeba)

this fairly remote ski resort is largely

devoid of westerners. It has a large ski in,

ski out hotel, 6 lifts and 20 runs and has

great tree skiing with beautiful views of Mt

Iwate. It is located 560km north of Tokyo

and has good transport links by train.

Aomori Springs & Hakkoda – Aomori

Prefecture: Far to the north on Honshu

and well off the beaten path is Aomori

Springs ski resort and close by is the

Hakkoda ropeway. These resorts are the

real Japanese deal and suitable for true

powder junkies! Blessed by an abundance

of light dry snow, means the weather

can often be terrible! When the Hakkoda

ropeway closes due to wind, Aomori’s

gondola and 2 hooded chairlifts beckon.

Although not super steep, the terrain at

these resorts demands full avalanche


gear and knowledge. Ski patrol, piste

markers and piste signs are non-existent!

Accommodation is at a couple of beautiful

on mountain hotels and accessed by

train. This area works well if you want to

do a road trip to Hokkaido, but is possibly

a bit small for an extended stay.

Kamui Ski links, Hokkaido: Located

near the town of Asahikawa, Kamui is a

small powder resort with 6 lifts, 25 runs

and 600m of vertical. There is some lovely

side country and tree skiing. With 3 on

mountain restaurants, no accommodation

and just 30 minutes from Asahikawa

Kamui is best done by bus or car as a day

trip.

Asahidake, Hokkiado: Another

back country ski area accessed from

Asahikawa or you can stay in the ski in,

ski out Bear Monte hotel Asahidake is one

out of the box!

An active volcano with a ropeway (cable

car) which provides access to 500 vertical

metres of back country terrain. Asahidake

is not for the feint hearted. All the normal

resort facilities are pretty obvious by their

absence, there are no crowds, cafes or

ski school, but there is amazing variety of

alpine and tree skiing. Bring your fat skiis

and avo gear!

Sahoro, Hokkaido: Located in the centre

of Hokkaido Sahoro can be accessed as

a day trip from Furano or Tomamu or you

can stay at the resort in either a Club Med

or the local hotel. With 8 lifts, including

a long gondola Sahoro has some of the

most empty ski slopes in Japan!

The Club Med is an awesome option for

families of differing abilities as ski lessons/

guiding is included (along with everything

else). Think of a 20 year old level 3 ski

instructor who is deperate to show you his

favourite powder stashes and you have

the Club Med lesson experience.

Kurodake, Hokkaido: Like Asahidake,

Kurodake is a long ropeway on a

mountain in the Daisetsuzan national park

(Daisetsuzan means “Big Snow”). This is

the true roof of Hokkaido and is extremely

weather dependant (it closes often). The

northeast facing slopes are challenging

and it has a lot of vertical. To get the best

experience we recommend picking your

day and doing Kurodake with a guide

from Furano as its also quite difficult to

get to.

Many of the resorts mentioned are hard to

get to and lack facilities for intermediate

and beginner skiers, but reward expert

shredders with untracked powder and

distinctly Japanese experiences.

Often the best way to access these

resorts is a road trip by car, make sure

you have a 4wd with snow tires and

experience in winter driving. Also choose

your month carefully – driving in Hokkaido

in January can be very frightening!

But with risk comes the reward to find the

hidden treasures of Japan!

"We live what we sell"

0800 623 872

info@madabouttravel.co.nz

madabouttravel.co.nz

Alex Clapin getting his soul turns off the back of Whistler Mountain. The iconic Black Tusk in the background

Carter Durlacher with the sniper landing into a patch of sun on a pow day in The Callaghan, BC.

GALLERY: THE LENS

OF LEON BUTLER

Leon Butler has spent 15 years capturing the raw

energy of adventure, from high-stakes action sports to

epic destinations and world-class events. Originally from

the Isle of Wight but shaped by years in New Zealand,

Leon now calls Whistler, BC, home, right in the heart of the

action sports world.

His photography isn’t just about the moment; it’s about the

story, the emotion, and the connection between people

and the wild places they push their limits in. This gallery

is a glimpse into that world—where adventure and the

human spirit collide. We caught up with Leon and asked

him a few key questions

What has led you to choose the outdoors as a subject

matter, mainly snow? Growing up on the beautiful Isle

of Wight instilled in me a love of nature and a passion

for exploring the outdoors. Once I finished my studies,

I embarked on a ski season in the Alps, which quickly

escalated into more than 20 ski seasons around the

world. During this time, snowboarding was at its peak and

beginning to explode as a sport. The anti-establishment

culture, the freedom, the style, and the personalities

were all so raw and wild—it really appealed to me as an

alternative to the standard route through life.

I became obsessed with big-mountain snowboarding and

backcountry splitboarding, which was emerging. I had a short

stint as a freeride snowboarder, which taught me how to work

with brands, but it also reignited my passion for photography,

many years after studying it. Capturing the mountain sports

culture was a no-brainer for me, my experiences provided a

unique perspective on photography.

What are the main challenges? There are many challenges, and

more keep appearing. The two that frustrate me most right now

are:

1. The ghosting culture that the digital world has bred. I can spend

countless days or weeks putting a pitch or project together, only

for communication to go dead at the other end, without even a

courtesy email.

2. Securing regular paid work. Social media has been a helpful tool,

but it has also allowed people to call themselves ‘photographers’

without ever learning the skill of running a business. The result?

A flood of people offering to work for free, which has undercut

the profession. Free work is excellent for gaining experience, but

it should be for the right causes, like non-profits and personal

projects. If you’re not learning from experienced professionals,

you’re missing key skills. I always recommend that up-and-coming

photographers find a mentor who can teach them how to be a

businessperson first and foremost.

What is the primary reward? It sounds simple, but being part of people’s

stories and helping them achieve their goals is incredibly rewarding. I also

love taking an initial client idea, bringing the right people together to make

it happen, and being part of the wild creative process that unfolds. There’s

no better feeling than nailing a brief and seeing a client stoked with their

deliverables.

In your opinion, what makes a great shot? Fundamentals like framing,

light, and timing are key, and sure, I love a banger pow shot just like anyone

else, but for me, it’s the raw, imperfect moments in between that make an

image special. When people share their true, vulnerable selves, it resonates

with viewers because they’ve likely been in that situation themselves. In

action sports, or anything involving human endeavour, these moments are

everywhere if you look for them. They also work brilliantly for commercial

photography.

What is the difference between shooting for your catalogue and shooting

for a client? I was once told to find my niche but not to stick to just one

style, and that advice has stuck with me. When I shoot for a client, I tailor

my photography knowledge to their specific needs and tone. My job is to

interpret their concept or brand pillars and apply them to the scenario. If you

fall into the trap of following popular editing trends, you limit your ability to

grow. client's needs always come first.

Shooting for my catalogue is where I get to experiment, playing with new

project ideas, testing techniques, and having fun. These moments are crucial

for growth and can lead to future opportunities. If you ever get to a point

where you feel comfortable or think you know everything about this craft,

you’ve already lost. It’s essential to challenge yourself creatively to keep the

fire stoked, but that experimentation shouldn’t happen on a client’s dollar.

“IT SOUNDS SIMPLE, BUT

BEING PART OF PEOPLE’S

STORIES AND HELPING THEM

ACHIEVE THEIR GOALS IS

INCREDIBLY REWARDING.”“

Contacts and socials

www.visualyarn.com

visualyarnphotography@gmail.com

Instagram - Leon.butler1


16 year old prodigy Carter Durlacher finding a heavy pillow line The Callaghan, BC.


Lake Ohau provides an amazing backdrop


REGIONS: SOUTH ISLAND

NEW ZEALAND

Hooker Lake - Image by Rachel Gillespie

WINTER WONDERS OF THE MACKENZIE REGION

Tucked away in the heart of New Zealand's South Island, the Mackenzie Region transforms into a breathtaking winter

paradise every year. A land of wide, rolling plains set against a backdrop of snow-cloaked mountains, the Mackenzie offers

a magical escape filled with adventure, relaxation, and awe-inspiring natural beauty. Whether you're carving fresh tracks

on pristine ski fields or epic backcountry, soaking in hot pools under a starlit sky, or simply revelling in the silence of snowy

landscapes, winter in the Mackenzie is an experience like no other.

Ski Fields for Every Adventurer

The Mackenzie Region is home to three of New Zealand’s most beloved ski

fields: Ōhau Snow Fields, Roundhill, and Mount Dobson. This winter, hitting

the slopes has never been easier thanks to the new Superpass — a single

pass that offers access to these three fields along with several other iconic

South Island ski areas. Flexible and fantastic value, the Superpass allows

you to explore a variety of terrain without being tied to one mountain. Learn

more at nzsuperpass.com.

Mount Dobson is a favourite among Cantabrians and visitors alike. Nestled

high above the Mackenzie Basin, "Dobo," as the locals affectionately call it,

offers sun-drenched slopes, uncrowded runs, and 400 hectares of skiable

terrain. Beginners and families love the vast learners’ area, while more advanced

riders enjoy the dry, fluffy snow and wide-open pistes. After a day carving up

the mountain, be sure to swing by the iconic Silverstream Hotel in Kimbell. With

roaring fires, hearty meals, local brews, and live music, this country pub is the

perfect spot to relive the day's highlights and mingle with locals.

Mount Dobson

J U N E 2 025// 71

Ultimate Snow Adventures

Beyond the traditional ski fields,

the Mackenzie Region opens

doors to truly extraordinary

alpine experiences.

Ski the Tasman Glacier for an

unforgettable adventure. Board

a ski plane or helicopter to

New Zealand’s largest glacier

and enjoy wide, gentle 8–10km

runs through ice caves, blue

seracs, and otherworldly glacial

formations. Guided by experts,

this is an ideal entry-level

backcountry experience, perfect

for confident intermediates and

adventurous families alike. The

scenic flight alone, soaring over

the snow-clad Southern Alps, is

worth the trip.

Roundhill Ski Area, just 45 minutes from Tekapo, is

equally enchanting. It’s renowned for its relaxed, familyfriendly

vibe and boasts one of the country’s easiest

access roads. Beginners thrive on the gentle learner

slopes conveniently located by the car park — it’s not

unusual to see parents flipping sausages on the barbecue

while watching the kids. Intermediate skiers can enjoy

a wide range of rolling runs, while thrill-seekers test

themselves on the world's longest and steepest rope tow,

which opens up Australasia's biggest vertical drop (783m)

and exhilarating off-piste terrain. Don’t miss a stop at the

von Brown Bar mid-mountain for spectacular views over

Lake Tekapo.

Lake Ohau

For seasoned powder hounds,

heli-skiing around Aoraki/

Mount Cook offers unparalleled

thrills. With access to New

Zealand’s largest heli-ski terrain,

you'll find steep faces, wide

bowls, and endless powder

fields. Small group experiences

ensure personalised guiding,

and every descent is rewarded

with the spectacular backdrop

of glaciers and alpine lakes

— the ultimate high-country

adventure.

Heli skiing with Alpine Guides

Just 50 minutes drive to the lifts from Twizel, Ōhau Snow

Fields Is a favourite amongst skiers and boarders for

its boutique feel and old school vibe. Ōhau caters to

all skill levels, with smooth intermediate slopes off the

double chairlift and advanced terrain accessible for those

chasing powder. On a clear day, the views over Lake

Ōhau and Aoraki/Mount Cook are simply jaw-dropping.

After your runs, warm up at the Ōhau Lodge. Full of

quintessential Kiwi charm, this cosy lodge is the perfect

place to enjoy a hearty meal, a pint by the fire, and

legendary southern hospitality.

Mount Dobson

snowfields | lake Ōhau lodge

Tasman Glacier Heli Skiing

with

Southern Alps Guiding

Aoraki Mt Cook

“The only operator licensed to heliski the Tasman Glacier”

Call today to make your winter booking

0274 342277 / www.mtcook.com

reservations@ohau.co.nz or (03) 4389 885 | www.ohau.co.nz

Ski touring and snowshoeing are blossoming in

popularity. Guided and self-guided multi-day hut-tohut

trips allow you to explore remote valleys, glaciated

terrain, and rugged high country stations at your own

rhythm. Newcomers can join skills courses to safely

venture into the backcountry playground. Snowshoe

tours, meanwhile, provide a peaceful, low-impact way to

immerse yourself in the serenity of a winter wonderland.

Stars & Soaking

Winter in Mackenzie offers so much more than just

skiing and snowboarding.

The region sits within the Aoraki Mackenzie International

Dark Sky Reserve, making it one of the best places on

Earth for stargazing. Winter’s crisp, clear nights and

long hours of darkness create a stargazer’s dream, and

the galactic core sits right at that time of year, making it

perfect for those astro shots. Join a guided tour to peer

through powerful telescopes and marvel at glittering

galaxies, the Milky Way, and even distant planets.

Back on the ground, Tekapo Springs is a must-visit. Set

against a snowy alpine backdrop, this facility combines

steamy hot pools, ice skating, and snow tubing for

ultimate winter day out. After a day in the snow, soak

in hot pools while the surrounding mountains glow pink

and gold under the setting sun. Sipping on a mulled

wine beside the crackling log fire is an excellent way to

unwind after your soak.

Towns with Character

The Mackenzie’s charm extends into its welcoming

towns and villages, each with its own character and

winter appeal.

Twizel, the region’s largest town, is home to excellent

cafés, restaurants, pubs, and boutique shops. It’s also a

launchpad for alpine adventures — from scenic flights,

cycling and stargazing tours. With mountain views in

every direction and plenty of accommodation options,

Twizel is a great place to base yourself in – both Aoraki/

Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo are only 45-min away,

and It's only 50 minutes till you're skiing on Ōhau.

Fairlie, often considered the gateway to the Mackenzie,

is known for its friendly locals and its famous Fairlie

Bakehouse pies — a must-stop for any visitor. Wander

the boutique shops, enjoy a hearty meal, and soak up

the town’s genuine rural warmth. Fairlie Is loved for Its

rural vibes and affordable accommodation - and It's only

a short drive to the turn off to Mt Dobson.

Lake Tekapo is a winter wonderland in itself. Famous

for the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd framed by

snowy peaks, Tekapo dazzles visitors year-round, but

truly shines in winter.

The brilliant turquoise waters of the lake contrast

dramatically with the surrounding white landscape,

creating picture-perfect scenes. Dine at scenic lakefront

eateries, then relax in a hot pool under a canopy of

stars. Whether you're soaking at Tekapo Springs or

simply enjoying the peace of a snowy shoreline, Lake

Tekapo offers an enchanting winter experience that

leaves a lasting impression. Roundhill and Mt Dobson

are both In easy driving distances.

A Winter Destination Like No Other

Whether you're carving down fresh powder, flying over glaciers,

soaking in a hot pool beneath a sky full of stars, or simply

wandering quiet snowy trails, the Mackenzie Region offers a winter

experience unlike anywhere else. With its breathtaking landscapes,

welcoming towns, and endless adventures, it’s a destination that

captures the heart.

Bundle up, grab your gear, and come discover the winter magic of

the Mackenzie Region for yourself.

Southern Alps Guiding

Ski Tasman with Alpine Guides

Tekapo Springs at night

Hermatige Hotel


More information here: mackenzienz.com/winter

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WILDERNESS SKIING

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Discover the Southern Alps beyond the ski field boundary

Sick of the crowds?

Looking for more than just groomed pistes?

Wilderness skiing with Alpine Recreation takes you deep into

the heart of New Zealand’s Southern Alps, where adventure and

solitude reign. Based in Lake Tekapo, this family-run business

offers guided backcountry ski touring, split-boarding, and ski

mountaineering adventures for all ability levels. Whether you’re

chasing fresh lines, upskilling for alpine travel, or dreaming of a

remote ski traverse, Alpine Recreation has you covered.

With exclusive access to a network of private, heated huts,

including Caroline Hut under Aoraki/Mount Cook, the Cass

Valley Huts, and the brand-new Erewhon Hut, your days are

spent earning your turns in wild, breathtaking terrain, and your

nights recovering in cozy alpine comfort. Alpine Recreation’s

founder, the late Gottlieb Braun-Elwert, pioneered New Zealand’s

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exploration lives on through a dedicated team of IFMGA and

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No ski touring experience? No problem. Their popular backcountry

and avalanche skills courses are the perfect starting point. With all

technical gear provided (just bring your ski boots), it’s easy to take

the leap into the backcountry. And if skiing’s not your thing, try a

snowshoeing expedition instead.

Alpine Recreation brings more than 40 years of experience, an

unwavering focus on safety, and a passion for the mountains.

Their personalised approach and warm Tekapo hospitality keep

guests coming back year after year—for many, it’s the start of a

lifelong addiction to wilderness skiing.

www.alpinerecreation.com/ski

Email: climb@alpinerecreation.com

Phone: 0800 006 096 or +64 3 680 6736

0800 006 096

www.alpinerecreation.com

The Remarkables

BLAKE MARSHALL’S

QUEENSTOWN FLOW

Words by Mike Bilodeau

Blake Marshall is a professional freeskier, high-performance

coach, and mountain ambassador for The Remarkables Ski Area who

has dedicated his life to the sport. With endless winter destinations to

choose from, Blake has chosen Queenstown to plant his feet. Sure,

it's his hometown, but there's more to the story than that.

"I love freeriding here, just basically going off-piste and finding my

flow for the day. Most people stick to groomed or maintained runs,

while those of us looking for a bit more of an adventure or wanting to

push ourselves a little more, head off and find our own way down the

mountain. It's that feeling of escaping reality and forging your own path

that I love."

To some, skiing is skiing regardless of where you are. If you have skis,

snow and a hill, you're all set. However, it isn't quite that simple.

"The best snow is in Japan, but that's not necessarily the best terrain.

Canada is quite good because you get the snow and terrain, but it's

really vast, so moving around takes a fair amount of time. Skiing in

Europe is great. There are all these massive resorts, and you can get

from one to the other in the same day. And the magnitude of the areas

is something else. There's also huge potential for freeriding. But given

the topography and the amount of people in the backcountry, avalanche

danger can be pretty serious. The terrain is really good in Europe,

possibly the best. They don't always get the best snow, though."

The Queenstown region is the definition of simplicity. A place where

Flow State thrives, offering a serene escape away from the hustle and

bustle of everyday life. A hub of adventure, cuisine and everything in

between. While nowhere is perfect and everywhere has something

special about it, this beautiful region has a little bit of everything.

"I think what makes this area so unique is everything you

can do alongside skiing. You can get up the mountain

during the day, then check out an ice hockey game or

head for a night out without having to travel far. We're

stocked with so much to do and everything's really close

together. To me, that's what makes us special."

Between Queenstown and Wānaka, the diverse terrain

caters to all riders, regardless of style or level. With two

towns and four mountains within a 90-minute drive,

there's enough variety to last a lifetime.

"Queenstown's home. It's familiar and I just love being able to stay in my hometown. But

it's also about the terrain, and the access. It's really good in the alpine here, and when

we get good snow, you don't have that super risky snowpack like you can have in other

areas in the world. Also, there aren't many people going up hiking at The Remarkables.

It's starting to get more popular, but it really is easy to get away from people and just get

out into the wilderness and not see anyone. So I like that aspect as well."

In New Zealand, especially around Queenstown, the experience is not limited to

skiing. Anything deemed 'non-skiing' elsewhere is part of the experience here, making

the flow between mountain and town, adventure and relaxation, seamless.

Coronet Peak


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Monday 15 mins, to Saturday 30 mins, 9am 60 mins, - late 75 (please mins enquire on the day)

MANICURES Our moist popular & PEDICURES spa package.

Enjoy some Sunday well open earned per relaxation seasonal to demand. look feel

15 mins, 30 mins, 60 mins, 75 mins

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Ph: + treatments.

Enjoy 64 3 some 443 5051 well earned E: feelfab@aspectswanakaspa.co.nz

relaxation to look and stunning www.aspectswanakaspa.co.nz

after Ardmore one of Street our manicure or pedicure

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Brownston Street

Brownston Street

Hedditch Street

Hedditch Street

Hedditch Street

OPENING HOURS

Monday to Saturday 9am - late (please enquire on the day)

Sunday open per seasonal demand.

OPENING HOURS

Monday to Saturday 9am - late (please enquire on the day)

38 Ardmore Street, Wanaka

Sunday open per seasonal demand.

Ph: + 64 3 443 5051 E: feelfab@aspectswanakaspa.co.nz

www.aspectswanakaspa.co.nz

38 Ardmore Street, Wanaka

Ph: + 64 3 443 5051 E: feelfab@aspectswanakaspa.co.nz


Brownston Street

Queenstown

"Starting the day off with a nice coffee is top priority. There’s

so many places to choose from. Hustl Café is popular with the

locals. Bespoke is also a nice spot if you're hungry. They have

really good pancakes. Or, if you'd rather wait until you're up

the mountain, The Remarkables and Coronet Peak both have

good cafés and jars of free marshmallows to spruce up your

coffee. Once you're caffeinated and your belly's full, you're

ready to catch the first lift at The Remarkables.

Brownston Street

Hedditch Street

Little Street

a lap, Lakeside then hike Roadback up for some freeriding. If it's a nice

bluebird day, which we get plenty of Little around Street here, go ski

Lakeside Road

Ardmore Street

Brownston Street

Hedditch Street

Blake paints quite the picture. This is the all-encompassing,

fluid nature of Queenstown. A chance to fully immerse in

a lifestyle that offers plenty

OPENING

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HOURS

without the hassle of

travelling Monday too far. Saturday Just being OPENING

9am in - the late moment. HOURS

(please enquire The definition the of day)

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and Ph: the + 64 next, 3 443 you're 5051 down E: in feelfab@aspectswanakaspa.co.nz

the valley sipping a beer in

springlike conditions. www.aspectswanakaspa.co.nz

That's why I love winter here so much.

It's such an easy, mellow pace."

Brownston Street

Hedditch Street

Head up the Shadow Basin and drop in the Alta Chutes for

some park in the afternoon until beer o'clock. I like hitting up

Altitude Brewing, a

Ardmore

little brewery

Street

by the Little lake, Streetfor a beer and to

Lakeside Road

watch the sunset with some friends. Margo’s does really good

Ardmore Street

Mexican food, or, if you want to meet some people, you can

head to World Bar for a bite to eat and some drinks."

Despite having skied in some pretty incredible places, it's safe

to say that Queenstown is Blake's ideal spot, and for good

reason. It's a place where the skiing lifestyle and everything

else are not exclusive. Where, even if you're ripping hard all

day, the pace is slow. And that's exactly how visitors should

experience this place - slowly. The longer you stick around,

the deeper you can delve into the local culture and vibe,

taking in the full spectrum of adventure and relaxation.

"There's so much to do and people are really welcoming. Just

come here, explore and don't be afraid to go off the beaten

path a bit. You know, go find somewhere without anyone else

around. And there's no rush. Take your time, enjoy the area

and disconnect a little. You'll love it."

QueenstownNZ.nz

The Remarkables, Queenstown, Image compliments of The Remarkables

WHERE ADVENTURE MEETS ELEGANCE

HULBERT HOUSE, QUEENSTOWN

Image compliments of Harris Heli-Ski

Queenstown done right...

A winter wonderland

of luxury

accomodation

S.A Shuttles are a specialists when it comes to Auckland Airport shuttle

services. We pick-up passengers from the Airport and deliver to; hotels,

motels, CBD and the suburbs (door to door). This service is available to

meet every flight arriving into Auckland Airport.

• BOOKED shuttle services to meet flight

• On demand shuttle services for group bookings

• Direct shuttle for individual needs

• Corporate Transfers for Business Client

Beneath Queenstown’s towering peaks, where fresh snow crowns

the landscape and adventure fills the air, Hulbert House stands as an

elegant gateway to the ultimate winter experience. Dating back to 1888,

this beautifully restored Victorian villa offers an intimate and timeless

retreat for those who seek both exhilaration and refinement.

This winter, Hulbert House invites you to experience Queenstown’s

legendary backcountry with Harris Mountains Heli-Ski – New Zealand’s

premier heli-ski operator. Designed for those with a spirit for adventure

and an appreciation for the extraordinary, this curated experience

lifts you above the ordinary and into a world of untouched powder,

sweeping vistas, and true alpine freedom.

From wide open bowls to hidden valleys, Harris Mountains Heli-Ski

offers terrain to suit confident intermediate through to expert skiers

and snowboarders. The journey is seamless – our team at Hulbert

House attends to every detail, ensuring a day that is as effortless as it is

unforgettable.

After a day soaring across summits

and carving fresh tracks, return to

Hulbert House – a sanctuary of warmth,

character, and considered luxury. Here,

stories are shared by the fire over

evening canapés, and days end in the

comfort of individually designed rooms

where tradition and elegance blend to

create a truly restorative escape.

Our location, mere minutes from Queenstown’s vibrant centre yet

blissfully removed from the hustle and bustle, offers guests a rare

balance: the thrill of the mountains at your doorstep, and the serene

embrace of history within.

Crafted for travellers who appreciate the finer details – from impeccable

service to curated alpine experiences – Hulbert House offers a winter

stay like no other. It is a place where adventure is celebrated, and where

every return feels like coming home.

This winter, discover a Queenstown icon reimagined – where tradition,

hospitality, and high-country spirit meet.

Hulbert House: A living history. Your next great adventure begins here.

Nestled in the heart of Queenstown

amidst a picturesque wonderland.

Hulbert House provides a cosy

luxurious escape, with views of the

snow-capped mountains from your

room. Relax by the fire and watch

the snow drift down.

Book directly and you can save up

to 25% for multi-night stays.

68 Ballarat Street, Queenstown

We also do tours around the North Island | www.southaucklandshuttles.com | bookings@sashuttles.com | 0800 300 033 (Toll free)

J U N E 2 025// 85

CRAIG MURRAY

Kiwi Craig Murray Wins Inaugural Yeti

Natural Selection Ski in Alaska

In the Tordrillo Mountains, Alaska, Wanaka’s

Craig Murray has taken out the first-ever Yeti

Natural Selection Ski event, winning against one

of the toughest fields ever assembled for the

event.

“This has been unreal,” Murray said. “Just being

here in the Tordrillo’s was next-level. To make

the final and win it… I’m still trying to process it”

Natural; Selection is an invite-only event, started

by snowboard legend Travis Rice which pulls

together some of the world’s best freeriders and

park skiers. The event threw the participants

at the heavy, technical face known as 'Priority

1'. The knockout format left no margin for error.

Round after round, Murray delivered exactly

what he’s known for; fast, fluid lines with a clean,

powerful style.

In the final, he laid down a run that earned him

an 85 from the judges. Blasting through the

terrain at pace, Murray stitched together a full

line of 360s and flips, keeping speed and control

where most would have blown apart.

Sam Kush of Canada pushed hard and finished

second, with Italy’s Marcus Eder taking third

overall based on semi-final scores.

This win cements Murray’s place among the

top freeride skiers in the world, blending the

speed, flow, and technical precision that Natural

Selection was built to showcase.

Craig Murray in action at the Natural Selection Tour - Image by Chad Chomlack

Whether it’s quick, casual dining, après aaer some

hard shredding, or feeding the family aaer a big day on the hill…

amigos has you covered!

With everything from Mexican staples like tacos and burritos to classii like mouthwatering

steaks, we’ve gg an eeensive menu that’s sure to fit everyone’s taste and budget.

And of course, we’ve gg a heated patio overlooking the lake and mountains that’s

perfect for enjoying local wines and beers, or our signature margaritas and cocktails.

See the latest menu and BOOK ONLINE at

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71 Ardmore St, Wanaka 9305

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Check out our

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REGIONS: NORTH ISLAND

NEW ZEALAND

Whakapapa Ski Area: Offering terrain for all

levels, a premier learners’, Happy Valley, and

sightseeing on the Sky Waka gondola.

Tūkino Ski Field: A hidden gem for those looking

for a quieter club-field experience with untouched

snow and a friendly community vibe.

The first snowfall brings a buzz of excitement

as skiers and boarders prepare for a season of

adventure.

Winter Events in Ruapehu

Ruapehu comes alive in winter with festivals,

music, and cultural events that make the season

extra special.

Ohakune Mardi Gras: One of New Zealand’s

biggest winter festivals, this legendary event

brings live music, street performances, and a

buzzing après-ski atmosphere to Ohakune.

Live music at The Powderkeg: This iconic Ohakune venue hosts live music events

throughout the season, making it a must-visit spot for après-ski entertainment.

Matariki/ Puanga: As the Māori New Year approaches, Aotearoa prepares to

celebrate the awe-inspiring Matariki—known as Puanga in South Ruapehu. This

year, Ruapehu is proud to host the National Matariki Event, alongside a series of

smaller celebrations across the region. These events will honour tradition, bring

communities together, and showcase the rich cultural heritage of our land.

Learning how to ski on Mt Ruapehu

“ RUAPEHU COMES ALIVE

IN WINTER”

A Guided Hike on the Tongariro Alpine Crossing – Credit Adrift Tongariro

WINTER IN RUAPEHU

In the heart of the North Island, with rugged volcanic landscapes, snowcovered

peaks, and crisp alpine air, the Ruapehu region is New Zealand’s

winter adventure capital. Whether you’re chasing fresh powder, exploring

wild terrain, or savouring a meal at a top local eatery, Ruapehu offers the

perfect winter escape. Get away from the everyday and discover the magic

of winter in this unique part of Aotearoa.

“ WHETHER CHASING

FRESH POWDER,

EXPLORING WILD TERRAIN,

OR SAVOURING A MEAL

AT A TOP LOCAL EATERY,

RUAPEHU OFFERS THE

PERFECT WINTER ESCAPE”

RUAPEHU,

WINTER YOUR WAY

Must-Dos: Skiing & Snowboarding Mt

Ruapehu Whakapapa Ski Area Tūroa

Ski Area Winter

Each year, from early June, the Ruapehu

region transforms into a winter paradise,

drawing snow lovers from near and

far to experience its alpine scenery,

vast ski terrain, and vibrant ski culture.

Home to three ski areas—Tūroa Ski

Area, Whakapapa Ski Area, and the

smaller, club-style Tūkino Ski Field—

Ruapehu offers something for everyone,

from beginners to seasoned pros. And

when you're not on the slopes, the

region delivers a wealth of off-mountain

activities, from hiking through the

Tongariro National Park to soaking in

wood-fired hot tubs.

Ruapehu Winter Temperatures

Temperatures in Ruapehu’s winter

typically range from 5-10°C during the

day, while nights can drop as low as

-5°C. Frosty mornings give way to crisp

blue-sky days, perfect for exploring

the great outdoors. Snowfall varies

across the season and depends on

each mountain’s altitude and aspect, so

checking snow reports is key if you’re

planning a ski trip.

A True Winter Experience

Mt Ruapehu’s ski areas offer diverse

terrain for all abilities, making it a top

destination for winter sports. Whether

you’re learning the basics, carving

groomed runs, tackling off-piste terrain,

or testing your skills in the terrain parks,

there’s a slope for you.

What to Pack for Your Adventure

Ruapehu’s winter weather is often clear

and settled, but it can change at any

moment — so layering is essential. Bring

thermal base layers, warm socks, a

quality down jacket, and waterproof

boots. Merino wool is a great choice for

staying warm without bulk, and a good

hat, gloves, and scarf will keep you cosy.

If you forget anything, local outdoor

shops in Ohakune, Waimarino (formerly

National Park), and Whakapapa

Village can kit you out.

Tūroa Ski Area: Home to the longest

vertical drop in Australasia, this ski area

is known for its expansive terrain and

breathtaking views.

More information at visitruapehu.com


Located in the National Park Village,

Schnapps Bar is the perfect place to relax,

enjoy a delicious meal, 18 Holes of Mini

Golf & a few drinks, after walking the

Tongariro Crossing or spending the day

on the ski field on Mount Ruapehu.

2 Findlay St, National Park

OPEN MIDDAY TILL LATE

Ph 07 8922 788

www.schnappsbarruapehu.com

/schnappsbar

Tama Lakes

Activities Beyond the Slopes

Not into skiing? There’s plenty to do off the mountains in Ruapehu:

Hike to Tama Lakes: A breathtaking winter adventure

through Tongariro National Park, with sweeping views of snow-capped

peaks. While the Tama Lakes track is incredibly rewarding, it can

be challenging during the winter months. If you’re after something

shorter or less exposed, consider one of the nearby waterfall

walks like Taranaki Falls or Tawhai Falls. Before heading out, check

the weather, dress appropriately, and consider hiring a personal

locator beacon (PLB) from the visitor centre to stay safe in the alpine

environment.

Explore the Ohakune Old Coach Road and Te Ara Mangawhero:

Ride, run, or walk through native forest, heritage railway bridges, and

epic mountain views. Te Ara Mangawhero links up beautifully with the

Ohakune Old Coach Road and is a great option for families — whether

you’re on bikes or on foot.

Soak & Unwind: After a day in the crisp mountain air, there’s nothing

better than sinking into a warm soak. Ruapehu is home to a variety

of hot pools, from the private cedar tubs at Ohakune Hot Tubs to the

inviting underground heated pool at The Powderkeg. For a natural

geothermal experience, head to Tokaanu Thermal Pools and let the

soothing waters melt away the chill.

Sightseeing on the Sky Waka Gondola: Take in breathtaking views

from Whakapapa Ski Area’s state-of-the-art gondola — a must-do

even if you’re not skiing. Over at Tūroa, ride the High Noon Express

for panoramic views across the Central Plateau, or simply soak up the

alpine scenery from the base with a hot drink in hand.

The Après-Ski Lowdown

As the sun sets behind the volcanic peaks, the fun doesn’t

stop. Ohakune and Waimarino (formerly National Park) are home

to a vibrant après-ski scene, with cosy pubs, craft beer breweries,

and hearty dining options. Enjoy mulled wine by the fire, sip on locally

brewed beer, or indulge in a gourmet meal showcasing regional

produce. Whether you’re in the mood for a lively night out or a quiet

evening by the fire, Ruapehu has something for everyone.

Make Ruapehu Your Winter Escape

With world-class skiing, unforgettable landscapes, and a welcoming

mountain-town atmosphere, Ruapehu is the perfect winter destination.

Whether you’re carving turns on the slopes, hiking through ancient

volcanic terrain, or simply soaking up the alpine ambience, Ruapehu

offers a winter experience like no other.

TONGARIRO

NATIONAL PARK

VILLAGES

FUN FILLED FAMILY HOLIDAY

If you’re looking for a fun filled

family holiday destination this

winter, then look no further!

Get the kiddos geared up for

an epic adventure at Happy

Valley, the biggest beginner

ski slope in all of New

Zealand.

Year-round, hop on a scenic

gondola ride to the Knoll

Ridge Chalet, the highest

dining spot in New Zealand

at a dizzying 2020 meters,

wowza!

Challenge the family to a

game of mini golf or cheer

on the little ones as they

tackle their fears on an indoor

climbing wall.

Explore the wilderness with

amazing short walks and day

hikes galore.

And for those adrenaline

junkies, nothing beats biking

htrough stunning landscapes

that will leave you breathless

– literally!

Cheout out some of the handy

links and don’t forget to tag us

in on your travel snaps!

Plan your trip, pack your warm layers, and head to Ruapehu this

winter—it’s time to embrace the adventure.

Head to visitruapehu.com for more information.

J U N E 2 025// 93

Better Value: The passes people know and love are back in

2025. Choose from All Mountain and Lower Mountain Day

Passes or the new Beginner Area Pass for Happy Valley only.

Weekday rates offer significant savings, and any extra day you

add to your booking receives a 5% discount - up to four days

total. You can also opt for the convenient 3-Day Flexi Pass,

usable anytime throughout the season.

Getting here: Whakapapa is a four-hour drive from Auckland

or Wellington and the nearest airport is in Taupō—around 90

minutes away by car. If you’re going car-free, the Northern

Explorer train stops at nearby National Park Village with shuttle

transfers available to the slopes.

Season: Whakapapa boasts one of the longest ski seasons in

New Zealand, officially kicking off on 30 May with sightseeing

and sledding. Happy Valley opens on 20 June at the latest,

followed by the upper mountain terrain from 11 July, with the

season running through to 26 October. The mountain caters

to all abilities—30% beginner, 45% intermediate, and 25%

advanced.

WHAKAPAPA 2025:

A NEW CHAPTER ON THE MAGIC MOUNTAIN

Accommodation: Over 47 mountain lodges are available onsite

for a true ski-in, ski-out experience or stay in Whakapapa

Village at the base of the mountain. A wider range of options

can be found in National Park Village just 20 minutes away—

where you’ll also find cosy pubs and local eateries.

Whether you’re in it for the thrill, the views, or just to give snow

a go, Whakapapa is where winter magic comes alive. Start

planning your trip now at www.whakapapa.com.

Cradled on the wild north-western slopes of Mt Ruapehu and deep within the dual World Heritage-listed Tongariro National

Park, Whakapapa remains a standout in New Zealand’s alpine scene. With its striking volcanic terrain, broad mix of runs and easy

access from the North Island’s main centres, it’s long been a favourite for families, first-timers and diehard skiers alike. In 2025,

Whakapapa begins an exciting new chapter under fresh stewardship—bringing renewed energy to the mountain and a greater

focus on creating seamless snow experiences for every level of rider.

Sitting high on an active volcano, Whakapapa is as

unpredictable as it is breathtaking. The weather changes in a

heartbeat—sun one moment, snow or wind the next—shaping

the slopes in ways that make every day feel a little different.

But that raw beauty comes with a need for patience; the upper

mountain usually opens from July once a solid base has built,

with lifts and trails gradually coming to life as winter settles in.

Whakapapa's 12-lifts opens up a world of terrain. The Sky

Waka gondola—the country’s most advanced gondola—

whisks riders from 1,630m to 2,020m in under 10 minutes and

is the heart of the whole network. The views along the way

are nothing short of spectacular, stretching across the Central

Plateau to Mt Ngāuruhoe and, on a clear day, even as far as

Mt Taranaki.

Whakapapa is home to more than 55 marked trails spread

across an impressive 550 hectares of skiable terrain, making

it one of the largest developed ski areas in New Zealand. Its

volcanic landscape—shaped by ancient lava flows—forms

natural bowls, wide groomers, gullies and steep chutes.

There’s something for everyone here, from cruisy family runs

to technical terrain that rivals international resorts.

“ WHAKAPAPA IS HOME TO

MORE THAN 55 MARKED

TRAILS SPREAD ACROSS

AN IMPRESSIVE 550

HECTARES OF SKIABLE

TERRAIN, MAKING IT

ONE OF THE LARGEST

DEVELOPED SKI AREAS IN

NEW ZEALAND.”


“WHAKAPAPA IS

WHERE WINTER

MAGIC COMES

ALIVE.”


Located in the heart of the Ruapehu District

The outdoors capital of the North Island!

Gorgeous unique bespoke historic Vacation Home:

Accommodates 2-18 guests in up to seven bedrooms

Your first stop going to Mt. Ruapehu this snow season!

Centrally located to: ‘42 Traverse’ ends at our doorstep

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Pureora Timber Trail

The mighty Whanganui River

The Forgotten Highway (& Bridge to Nowhere)

30Mins to Whakapapa & 60mins to Turoa

Plus central to numerous other treks and trails

(& Waitomo GlowWorm Caves en route from Auckland)

No matter your reason for heading to the snow,

our team at Ski Biz @ The Alpine Centre are

there to help you with everything you need and

need to know when visiting Mt. Ruapehu this

winter. The Alpine Centre is easy to spot, just off State

Highway 4 in Carroll St, National Park Village on the way to

Whakapapa or Turoa Ski Areas.

If your coming to the snow for the first time, going sledding,

taking your first lesson on skis or snowboard, before heading

up the mountain you need to be dressed and ready for the

conditions before you get out of your car and freeze. The Ski

Biz crew at The Alpine Centre have all the gear you will need

for rental or to purchase and can offer great advise to help

you be prepared for a fun day on the snow.

• Car Snowchains or Socks

• Skis & Snowboards Rental

• Also Jackets, Pants, goggles,

helmets and Snow Boots Rental

• Ski Gloves from $20

• Full Snow-shop Sales

• Workshop Tuning Services

• Boot Fitting & Custom Footbeds

• E-Bike Rentals

• Whakapapa Click & Collect

www.TheOldPostOfficeLodge.co.nz

SKI BIZ @ THE ALPINE CENTRE

Corner of Carroll and MacKenzie Street, National Park Villa

e: manowhenualodge@outlook.com | p: +64 (7) 8922 854

10 Carroll St

Waimarino

(formally National Park Village)

07 892 2717

www.thealpinecentre.co.nz

Winter Hours: Mon - Thur 7.30am - 7.00pm | Fri 7.30am - midnight | Sat - Sun 7.00am - 7.00pm

Want to do something new this year? Embark on unforgettable adventures from the door step of Manowhenua Lodge.

Located near stunning hiking trails, kayaking spots and scenic viewpoints, the lodge offers easy access to nature’s wonders.

Home to iconic landscapes and some of the best hikes in the world, Tongariro National Park is the perfect destination to immerse

yourself in the beauty of New Zealand’s wilderness. Whether you are looking for somewhere to relax after a day on Whakapapa Ski

Field, need to put your feet up after walking the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, or taking a day to recover from your adventures in the

Central Plateau, Manowhenua Lodge, nestled in National Park Village, is the place for you.

www.manowhenualodge.co.nz

100// SK I ANDSNOW.CO.NZ JUNE 2025// 101

Central North Island

OLD POST OFFICE HOLIDAY HOME

Ruapehu’s oldest post office is a bespoke

historic Holiday Home able to be reserved as:

•Opulent 1-4 Bdr West-Wing incl sumptuous

lounge, beautiful kitchen, gorgeous bedrooms,

and back-deck with Sauna cabin, Spa-Pool

& Fire-pit •Elegant 1-3 Bdr East-Wing with

kitchen-dining •Entire 7-Bdr Bungalow (accom

up to 17 guests) with six Queen/Double.

Fantastic location for exploring many top

hiking treks, top cycle trails, Forgotten

Highway, world-class Fly-Fishing, the mighty

Whanganui River, Bridge to Nowhere, & NZ’s

largest ski-field.

www.theoldpostofficelodge.co.nz

info@theoldpostofficelodge.co.nz

VISIT RUAPEHU

An off the beaten track destination with worldclass

activities and unique accommodation

options, Ruapehu is a must-discover

destination that connects people to place

through meaningful, enriching experiences.

Hike the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, ride the

iconic Timber Trail, visit the National Army

Museum Te Mata Toa, rail cart with Forgotten

World Adventures, explore Blue Duck Station,

picnic at NZ’s largest alpaca farm and canoe,

fly fish, or jetboat to the Bridge to Nowhere on

the Whanganui River.

www.visitruapehu.com

COMFORTABLE

COMFORTABLE

ACCOMMODATION

FROM DORM BEDS

ACCOMMATION

TO PRIVATE DOUBLE

FROM ENSUITE DORM ROOMS BEDS

TO PRIVATE DOUBLE

ENSUITE

CHALLENGING

ROOMS

INDOOR

CHALLENGING

CLIMBING WALL

OPEN DAILY 9AM-8PM

INDOOR

CLIMBING HALL

OPEN

TONGARIRO

DAILY 9AM - 8PM

VOLCANIC

ADVENTURES

TONGARIRO

BUS WHAKAPAPA

VOLCANIC

SKI FIELD & MOUNTAIN

BIKE TRAILS

ADVENTURES

BUS TO WHAKAPAPA

SKI FIELD AND

MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS

4 Findlay Street, National Park 3948

nat.park.backpackers@xtra.co.nz

07 892 2870 www.npbp.co.nz

4 Findlay Street, National Park

PLATEAU LODGE

Plateau Lodge is nestled in Ruapehu region

with the backdrop of the Tongariro volcanos!

Why stay with us? Tongariro Alpine Crossing

-#1 tourist attraction summer or winter - Mt.

Ruapehu - Cycle Trails at our doorstep- Timber

Trail & Old Coach Road & Mountains to Sea.

Our Lodge specialises in these activities, with

packages & shuttles to suit your budget and

timeframe. Plateau Lodge is the ideal stop for

couples, families and small tour groups wanting

to explore

the Dual Heritage Tongariro National Park. We

offer two bedroom apartments, king studio

pods with outside baths and private lodge

room with communal spaces. Onsite is a

massage room, drying room, bike & wash

down area, and breakfast.

www.plateaulodge.co.nz

THE PARK

Independent 80 room 3 star tourist hotel

with stunning views of Mounts Ruapehu,

Ngauruhoe & Tongariro. Cosy lodge style

restaurant & bar. National Park Village location

right next to Tongariro National Park. Flexible

group and set menu options, Conference and

meeting facilities. Ideal for Tongariro Crossing,

Whakapapa & Turoa snow resorts.

www.the-park.co.nz |

bookings@the-park.co.nz

FORGOTTEN WORLD ADVENTURES

Experts in guided experiences through NZ’s

spectacular Forgotten World region in the

Central North Island. Choose from 6 unique

adventures, each featuring an iconic selfdriven

rail cart journey on an abandoned

heritage railway line between Taumarunui and

Stratford. Venture through 24 hand-cut tunnels,

backcountry townships, pristine native bush

and deep hidden valleys. Experiences can also

include jet boating on the Whanganui River and

visits to historic attractions.

www.forgottenworldadventures.co.nz

KINGS OHAKUNE

Kings is a historic hotel dating back to 1913,

originally built to accommodate passengers

travelling by train, we have 25 ensuite rooms

with outside entry. There is an onsite restaurant

and bar adorned with images of the area over

the years illustrating its rich history. The bar

also boasts a large deck with spectacular

mountain views, a pool table and darts board.

We have a smaller private dining room, perfect

for breakfasts. Guests can also take advantage

of one of 2 complimentary hot pools onsite. We

look forward to welcoming you to Kings!

www.kingohakune.co.nz

info@kingsohakune.co.nz

Girls Ski Trip

Canadian Rockies • 2026

with MAD About Travel & SheSkisNZ

Join your guide Jill Clendon for two weeks of skiing/

boarding, laughs, fun and après at Panorama Mountain

Resort and Banff (for Sunshine, Lake Louise and Norquay).

All levels and abilities welcome. Come join us in a

supportive and fun environment made just for you!

21 Feb –8 March 2026 / $7739pp

BOOK

TODAY!

Jill: 021 782 002

jillclendon@gmail.com

Phil: 0800 623 872

phil@madabouttravel.co.nz

www.madabouttravel.co.nz

SheSkisNZ

‘Taste the adventure in every sip’

www.ruapehudistillery.com

REAL ESTATE IN RUAPEHU

Whether you're buying, selling, or simply exploring the real

estate market in the beautiful Ruapehu region, we're here

to support you on your property journey. With expert

advice and local insights, we'll help you make confident and

informed decisions.

Scan the QR code to discover more about Bayleys, connect

with your local expert, and explore our

latest listings.

Bayleys Ruapehu

06 385 0170

16 Goldfinch Street, Ohakune

BARTLEY REAL ESTATE LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

WHAKAPAPA HOLIDAY PARK

A DESTINATION WITHIN A DESTINATION

Relax after a day of outdoor activities in the Tongariro National Park or nearby areas.

Included in your booking will be unlimited, high speed wi-fi, hot showers and beautiful

surroundings. We are located less than 15 minutes’ drive to the Whakapapa Ski Field in the

heart of Tongariro National Park, nestled amongst alpine beech trees and a mountain stream.

All within a minute’s walk are several hiking tracks that take you through mountain forests,

over volcanic landscapes, with stunning views of mountains, rivers and crater lakes.

Shuttle available all year round - Snow socks available during winter

info@whakapapa.net.nz | www.whakapapa.net.nz

Residential / Lifestyle / Rural / Commercial

Ruapehu Country Lodge offers boutique quality bed &

breakfast accommodation in Ohakune

Spa pool, Sauna, guest lounge with open fire

25 min drive to Pure Turoa skifield

MIDWEEK DEAL $230 per room per night

(max 2 people)

WEEKEND DEAL Friday/Saturday $540

per room for two nights (max 2 people, min 2

nights). Includes roast dinner Saturday night.

Enquire and book direct with us for this deal.

Valid from 25 July to 4 October 2025

enquiries@ruapehucountrylodge.co.nz

www.@ruapehucountrylodge.co.nz

TŪROA SKI AREA, MT RUAPEHU

Tūroa Is Open for An Epic Winter Season

If you’ve been dreaming of fresh snow, wide-open trails, and unbeatable volcanic

scenery, it’s time to dust off your gear as Tūroa Ski Area is ready to kickstart your winter.

Nestled on the south-western slopes of Mt

Ruapehu, Tūroa has long been one of New

Zealand’s favourite alpine playgrounds, and

this year is shaping up to be one of its best

yet. From hospitality and snow play kicking

off in the Alpine Meadow from 31 May, to

the full ski and snowboard season launching

on 28 June – just in time for the school

holidays – there’s never been a better time

to head to Ohakune.

Tūroa’s Marketing Manager, Joanna

Campbell, says the mountain and the

surrounding community are ready to deliver

another unforgettable season. “We’re

gearing up for an epic winter of snow

sports and good times. “We’re stoked to

have teamed up with Air Chathams, which

means you can fly direct from Auckland to

Whanganui, grab a rental, and be on the

slopes, or at the Powderhorn Chateau in

under two hours.”

With New Zealand’s longest winter season

stretching into early October and the long

weekend (conditions permitting), Tūroa

offers unbeatable value for snow seekers.

This year, Tūroa is rolling out new multiday

passes, with two, five, and seven-day

consecutive options for those who want

flexibility without committing to a full

season. Kids under five? They ski free in

2025.

Tūroa’s varied terrain, boasting New

Zealand’s longest vertical descent of 722

metres, makes it a must-visit for skiers and

snowboarders of all levels. Whether you’re

after gentle groomers, thrilling off-piste

adventures, or just want to soak up the

awe-inspiring volcanic landscapes, Tūroa

has something for everyone. Plus, with

modern facilities including rentals, lessons,

and cosy eateries, your winter escape will

be as effortless as it is exhilarating.

And while the snow is reason enough to get

here, Campbell says it’s also about showing

up for the region. “It’s been a tough time

for the Central Plateau region. We’re open,

we’re ready, and we’d love to see everyone

come out to support the mountain and the

amazing hospitality scene here in Ohakune.”

Tūroa is calling this winter. Head to turoa.

com to stay updated on snow conditions,

lift openings and to book your lift passes,

rentals and lessons.

“THIS YEAR, TŪROA

IS ROLLING OUT NEW

MULTI-DAY PASSES,

WITH TWO, FIVE,

AND SEVEN-DAY

CONSECUTIVE OPTIONS”

JUNE 2025// 105

“TŪROA IS

CALLING

THIS

WINTER.”

106// SK I ANDSNOW.CO.NZ JUNE 2025// 107

INSELBERG

PRECISION BUILT FOR THE MOUNTAIN

CTSS Everest Guides putting Inselberg to the test

When you strip away the noise, the hype, the fashion cycles, the empty marketing campaigns, what’s left?

For the founders of Inselberg, the answer was stark and non-negotiable: performance.

Born from a frustration with the outdoor

clothing industry’s drift into aesthetics

over functionality, Inselberg wasn’t

launched in a glossy boardroom. It was

hammered into life in a converted milking

shed on a New Zealand farm. One

sewing machine and one mission.

From day one, every decision, every

stitch, every prototype existed for one

reason only: to work when the stakes are

highest. Across glaciers, over summits,

and into the violent teeth of rescue

operations, Inselberg has carved out

a distinct identity: quiet, exacting, and

utterly unflinching.

This isn’t just outdoor gear. It’s a

statement: ‘the mountain doesn’t change

for trends, and neither should the

equipment trusted to navigate it’.

Jarlath Anderson, Inselberg’s founder,

makes no apologies for the brand’s

obsession. “We started Inselberg

because we saw something changing.

Technical alpine brands were drifting

toward fashion—more interested in

being seen than in surviving the storm,”

he says. “Chasing trends is exhausting.

The mountain doesn’t care about trends.

Neither should the tools built for it.”

Instead, Inselberg set out to build

something enduring. Not timeless for

nostalgia’s sake, but engineered to

always work.

The early day were like many kiwi

business hands on, brutal and a bit raw.

The only clean spot on the farm was the

milking shed, so that’s where it began,

with a single sewing machine and an

unbending idea. Working with some

of the world’s best factories, the same

ones trusted by Arc’teryx, Patagonia,

and Norrøna, was the goal. But as a tiny,

unknown company, Inselberg struggled

to get the attention it needed. Samples

took four to eight weeks to reach New

Zealand, grinding development to a halt.

So the solution? Do it themselves.

Build faster. Test harder. That one

sewing machine evolved into a full

technical studio, armed with laser

cutters, waterproof taping, and bonding

machines. Suddenly, prototypes could

be built in-house and thrown straight into

the jaws of New Zealand’s mountains

within 48 hours. Real-world feedback

came fast—and the iterations came

even faster. On average, Inselberg burns

through 12 to 18 prototypes per product

before giving the nod to production.

JUNE 2025// 109

Inselberg founder, Jarlath Anderson

Today, the shed is back to milking cows.

Inselberg has moved on. The philosophy

that was born there, however, never left:

nothing leaves the bench until it’s brutally

proven.

Even the name Inselberg was chosen

with calculated intent. An “inselberg” is a

geological formation: a single mountain

that rises abruptly from a flat plain,

forged by relentless erosion that strips

away everything but the most durable

stone. It’s not just a fitting metaphor.

Inselberg builds through erosion too,

stripping away the inessential to leave

only what endures.

“Minimalism for us isn’t about being

simple,” says Jarlath. “It’s about being

exact.”

EVERY SEAM, EVERY

PANEL, EVERY FEATURE IS

PLACED WITH PURPOSE. NO

CLUTTER. NO OVERBUILDING.

JUST PURE, RUTHLESS

EFFICIENCY.

The fewer parts there are, the fewer

points of failure. The result is gear that

doesn’t just survive abuse, it hunts it out.

This focus on precision doesn’t end at

the drawing board. It defines the entire

company. Inselberg doesn’t flood the

market with seasonal collections. It

builds one solution for each specific

problem. One purpose, one tool, before

considering the next hurdle.

Take skiing, for example. A jacket for a

lift-accessed resort skier demands totally

different articulation, thermal mapping,

110// SK I ANDSNOW.CO.NZ

and ventilation than a jacket for a ski

mountaineer moving light and fast in

deep wilderness. To Inselberg, both

jackets matter, but they are completely

different tools. One size does not fit all.

There’s a ruthlessness to Inselberg’s

process that a lot of brands simply

can’t match due to size and objective.

Every product undergoes a two-year

design and development cycle. It

starts with a real-world need, not a

market opportunity. Guides and alpine

professionals break down exactly what

movements, stress points, and failure

modes must be addressed. Materials

are selected not for buzzwords but for

their molecular properties under high

strain and cold exposure. Patterns are

mapped around natural body articulation

to ensure zero restriction under load.

Seams are placed to move with muscle

chains, not against them.

Prototypes are built, Frankensteined,

destroyed, rebuilt, re-engineered,

over and over again. Testing happens

in 100km/h alpine winds, in glacial

crevasses, under the crushing reality

of rescue operations. Only when a

garment outperforms everything else in

its category, under maximum stress, is it

considered ready.

The real-world proof? Inselberg’s Centile

Hoody didn’t just go for a walk in the

hills, it went to the summit of Everest. It

skied the final degree to both the North

and South Poles.

Partnerships with heavy hitters like

Mike Hamill and Climbing the Seven

Summits (CTSS) aren’t about branding,

they’re a live-fire crucible. Mike, who

has summited Everest more than six

times, works directly with Inselberg on

product refinement. Their collaboration

is currently shaping a next-generation

down suit for Everest 2026, tuned for lifeor-death

performance in oxygen-starved

altitudes and knife-blade windchill.

Closer to home, the collaboration with

the Aoraki Mt Cook Alpine Rescue Team

(AMCART) strips away the last vestiges

of marketing fluff. AMCART doesn’t care

about slogans. They care about whether

the gear will save a life when the storm

closes in and the helicopter can’t fly.

Inselberg prototypes, tests, and rebuilds

under AMCART’s brutal standards. Until

they’re satisfied, the product isn’t done.

Where other brands paint sponsorships

and athlete partnerships with glossy

marketing, Inselberg stays in the

shadows. It doesn’t chase applause. It

chases precision and result.

For Jarlath and his team, performance

isn’t an aspiration. It’s the bare minimum.

“We’re not designing to impress,” he

says. “We’re designing to solve. When

the solution works, you don’t need

anything else.”

In an industry increasingly obsessed with

the next new thing, the flash of a logo,

the celebrity endorsement, the endless

treadmill of styles and drops, Inselberg

stands firm. Absolutely unwilling to

compromise.

One purpose. One solution.

And for those who move fast in places

where mistakes cost more than pride,

Inselberg is a quiet revolution. The next

chapter is already in motion. And if

Inselberg’s track record is anything to

go by, the mountain won’t change, and

neither will they.

SPEED 963

Precise handling and stability at speed define the Dynastar Speed 963.

Advanced and expert skiers will appreciate its race-inspired feel and

powerful edge while carving the piste. The full-length power transfer of

our V-Tech design and vibration-absorbing ride of our Hybrid Core let you

focus on your line.

©Florian Monot

DYNASTAR// WWW.DYNASTAR-LANGE.COM

2025 BUYERS GUIDE//SKI&SNOW//

BLACK CROWS NAVIS FREEBIRD

One of the emblems of adventure skiing at blackcrows,

the Navis is a 102mm dedicated to all discovery

terrains. Balance between lift and skiability, alpine

handling and progressive front rocker, the Navis

Freebird is designed for distant or daily quests. A

companion full of versatility, which offers a perfect

balance between skiability and lightness.

Features:

• Progressive front rocker and flared tip: great

stability in carving

• Long classic camber: classic camber under the

foot with extended ski/snow contact for alpine style

cornering

• Progressive heel: secures support and facilitates

pivoting

• Titanal reinforcement under the bindings:

reinforcement of the binding assembly

Lengths: 167.0, 173.0, 179.0, 185.0

Width: 102mm

Radius: 18m

Weight: 1550g

www.black-crows.nz

2025 BUYERS GUIDE//SKI&SNOW//FEATURED SKIS

BKACK CROWS / OCTO rrp: $1,599.95

FEATURES: Lengths: 167.2, 179.3, 185.4 Width: 84 mm Weight: 1525g

WWW.BLACK-CROWS.NZ

BKACK CROWS / CORVUS rrp: $1,899.95

FEATURES:Lengths: 169.4, 176.3, 181.0, 186.2, 191.4 WIDTH: 110 MM WEIGHT: 1750G

WWW.BLACK-CROWS.NZ

BKACK CROWS / CAMOX rrp: $1,499.95

FEATURES: Lengths: 168.1, 174.2, 180.4, 186.5 Width: 97 mm Weight: 1700g

WWW.BLACK-CROWS.NZ

BKACK CROWS / JUSTIS rrp: $1,899.95

FEATURES: Lengths: 171.3, 177.4, 183.1, 189.3 Width: 100 mm Weight: 1925g

WWW.BLACK-CROWS.NZ

BKACK CROWS / SERPO rrp: $1,599.95

FEATURES: Lengths: 152.3, 160.2, 168.2, 174.1, 180.1, 186.3 Width: 93 mm Weight: 1750g

WWW.BLACK-CROWS.NZ

BKACK CROWS / ARTIS rrp: $1,699.95

FEATURES: Le gths: 172.1, 178.4, 184.3, 190.2 Width: 105 mm Weight: 1800g

WWW.BLACK-CROWS.NZ

DYNASTAR//M-PRO 94TI

RRP: $1299.00 (ski only)

Category: Freeride/All

Mountain

Lengths: 154, 162, 170, 186cm

Widths: 128-94-118 mm

Radius: 17m

Weight: 3.6 kg

The Dynastar M-Pro 94 Ti

skis are your ticket to explore

from first chair to final lap. A

playful freeride ski.

DYNASTAR//M-CROSS 88

RRP: $1399.00 (ski only)

Category: All Mountain

Lengths: 159, 168, 176, 184 cm

Widths: 135-88-117mm

Radius: 14m

Weight: 3.6 kg

Dynastar M-Cross 88 skis let

advanced and expert skiers

turn up their skiing. At 88mm

underfoot, they offer a wider

platform for charging the

piste while channeling the allmountain

feel of a freeride ski

DYNASTAR//E-LITE 5

XPRESS

RRP: $1249.00 (Includes Look

Xpress W 11 GW binding)

Category: Groomers

(Women’s Specific)

Lengths: 149, 155, 162, 170cm


Radius: 12m

Weight: 2.9 kg

Looking for fluid carving

and confident control? The

E-Lite 5 balances confident

edge with smooth ride and

vibration reduced thanks

to the Poplar / PU Hybrid

core and V-Tech design

transferring power to the

edges, reducing swing weight

and creating agility.

DYNASTAR//E-CROSS 82

RRP: $1399.00 (Includes Look

Xpress W 11 GW Binding)


Lengths: 150, 158, 167, 175 cm


Radius: 13m

Weight: 3.3 kg

The women’s Dynastar

E-Cross 82 skis let you

make turns where and how

you want. Designed with

intermediate to advanced

skiers in mind, they merge the

do-it-all spirit of freeride with

a confident carve for the piste.

ARMADA// WWW.SUMMITCOLLECTIVE.CO.NZ


ROSSIGNOL / SENDER FREE 100 rrp: $1,299.99

FEATURES: 131 / 100 / 123. 18m Radius. Air Tip, Twin Rocker, Poplar PEFC Wood Core, Full Rectangular Sidewall.

WWW.SUMMITCOLLECTIVE.CO.NZ

ROSSIGNOL / SUPER BLACKOPS 98 rrp: $1,349.99

FEATURES: 131 / 98 / 121. 19m Radius. Twin Rocker, Poplar Wood Core, Full Rectangular Sidewall, Titanal Beam.


ROSSIGNOL / SENDER SOUL 102 rrp: $1,399.99

FEATURES: 135 / 102 / 125. 17m Radius. Air Tip, Twin Rocker, Poplar Wood Core, Full Rectangular Sidewall,

Titanal Beam.


ROSSIGNOL / RALLYBIRD SOUL 92 rrp: $1,099.99

FEATURES: 122 / 92 / 112. 16m Radius. Air Tip, Twin Rocker, Paulownia Wood Core, Full Rectangular Sidewall,

Fiberglass Reinforcement.WWW.SUMMITCOLLECTIVE.CO.NZ

ROSSIGNOL / ARCADE 84 – NX 12 rrp: $1,549.99

FEATURES: 132 / 84 / 120. 15m Radius. Air Tip, Tip and Tail Rocker, Poplar Wood Core, Full Rectangular Sidewall,

Titanal Beam.WWW.SUMMITCOLLECTIVE.CO.NZ

BROSSIGNOL / ARCADE 84W – NX 12 rrp: $1,299.99

FEATURES: 132 / 84 / 120. 15m Radius. Air Tip, Tip and Tail Rocker, Poplar Wood Core, Full Rectangular Sidewall,

Titanal Beam.



DYNASTAR / 763 (Piste Carve) rrp: $1599.90 (Include Look Konect NX 12 Binding)

FEATURES: S.C 124-75-109. R15m (174cm) Hybrid Poplar / PU Core, Titanal V-Tech Insert, 3D Profile Fiberglass sandwich, Full

Sidewall. Tip Rocker, Sintered Base. Look NX Konect Binding Lengths; 166-174-182cm.

WWW.DYNASTAR-LANGE.COM

DYNASTAR / M PRO 100 TI (All Mountain / Freeride) rrp: $1599.90 (ski only)

FEATURES: .C 134-100-124mm. R17m Hybird Core 2.0 – multidirectional poplar core with PU, Sintered HD

Base, Adaptiv Sidecuts, Progressive Rocker.


DYNASTAR / M CROSS 78 (All Mountain) rrp: $999.90 (Includes Look Xpress 11 Binding)

FEATURES: S.C 124-78-110. R13m (164) Hybrid poplar / PU core, Fiberglass Sandwich, Full Sidewall. Look Xpress11 Binding.

Lengths; 148-156-164-172-178cm.


DYNASTAR / M PRO 85 W (All Mountain / Freeride – Womens) rrp: $1449.90 (Includes Look Xpress 11 Binding)

FEATURES: S.C 118-85-109. R12m, Hybrid Poplar / PU core, Titanal Rocket Frame, Full sidewall, Directional Rocker. Lengths;

149, 158, 167cm.


DYNASTAR / DYNASTAR MENACE 80 (Free ski / Junior - Youth) rrp: $ 799.90 (Includes Look Xpress 10 Binding)

FEATURES: 110-80-103. R20m (168), Poplar Wood Core, Tip and Tail Rocker, Fiberglass Sandwich, Cap construction.

Lengths; 138-148-158-168-178cm.


DYNASTAR / E-CROSS 82 (All Mountain / Women’s Specific) rrp: $1399.90 (Includes Look Xpress W 11 Binding)

FEATURES: S.C 129-82-111. R13m (167). Hybrid 2.0 Tri-Directional Laminate Wood / PU Core, Fiberglas Sandwich, Full Length

Sidewall, Directional Rocker. Adaptive Sidecut. Lengths; 150-158-167-175cm.


ARMADA//DECLIVITY

DECLIVITY

X 102

RRP: $1649.99

Category: Freeride All-

Mountain

Lengths: 172, 180, 188cm

Widths: 135-102-125mm

Weight: 1950g

The Declivity X 102 has an

all-new construction with

a poplar core and ATBX

Titanal layers to bring modern

freeride performance with

more pop, release, and all

terrain damping to a proven

all-mountain chassis.

ARMADA//DECLIVITY

DECLIVITY

92 TI

RRP: $1599.99

Category: Freeride/All

Mountain

Lengths: 172, 180, 188cm

Widths: 132-92-118 mm

Weight: 1825g

A true all-mountain ski with

high-speed stability. The

Declivity 92 Ti’s full-length

titanal construction reduces

vibration and enhances edge

hold while the rockered

tip adds multi-condition

performance.

ARMADA//DECLIVITY

DECLIVITY

82 TI

RRP: $1499.99

Category: Frontside All-

Mountain

Lengths: 172, 180, 188cm


Weight: 1675g

The Declivity 82 Ti is built

for razor sharp frontside

performance. Full length

titanal construction and a

narrower waist are built for

high-speed carves and high

edge angles. Tip it and rip it.

ARMADA//RELIANCE

RELIANCE

92 TI

RRP: $1499.99

Category: Fronstide All

Mountain

Lengths: 172, 180, 1886cm


Weight: 1765g

The Reliance 92 Ti is a true allmountain

ski with full-length

metal layers to add stability

and quiet chatter when laying

down high-speed carves or

charging through chop.

ROSSIGNOL// WWW.SUMMITCOLLECTIVE.CO.NZ


BLACK DIAMOND/ IMPULSE TI 98 SKIS rrp: $1,499.99

FEATURES: A ski that’s playful in soft snow, but able to hold its own at high speeds, the Impulse Ti 98 is a versatile

all-mountain carver. Featuring a moderate 98mm waist for all-mountain versatility.

SOUTHERNAPPROACH.CO.NZ

BLACK DIAMOND/ IMPULSE TI 104 SKIS rrp: $1,599.99

FEATURES: The Impulse Ti 104 is an all-mountain charger, featuring a 104mm waist that provides

nimble turnability when needed, and playful, floaty performance in deep powder.

SOUTHERNAPPROACH.CO.NZ

ELAN/ WINGMAN 86TI FUSION rrp: $1,899.00 (including bindings)

FEATURES: 132/86/112. All resort tool for first class power and performance in any conditions.

WWW.ELANSKIS.COM

ELAN/ WINGMAN 83C SHIFT rrp: $1,549.00 (including bindings)

FEATURES: 131/83/112. All the control and quickness you could ever want for weekend resort adventures.

WWW.ELANSKIS.COM

ELAN/ WILDCAT 86TI SHIFT rrp: $1,799.00 (including bindings)

FEATURES: 130/85/110. Wider all resort tool for first class power and performance in any conditions.

WWW.ELANSKIS.COM

ELAN/ WILDCAT 83C SHIFT rrp: $1,499.00 (including bindings)

FEATURES: 130/82/110. All the control and quickness you could ever want or need for weekend resort adventures.

WWW.ELANSKIS.COM


ELAN/ RIPSTICK 96 rrp: $1,649.00

FEATURES: 133/96/114. Delivers the best balance between on trail reliability and off trail exploration.

WWW.ELANSKIS.COM

ELAN/ RIPSTICK 88 rrp: $1,549.00

FEATURES: 130/90/108. Transition seamlessly through any condition with control on groomed slopes and float in powder.

WWW.ELANSKIS.COM

ELAN/ RIPSTICK 94W rrp: $1,649.00

FEATURES: 129/94/109. The most versatile Ripstick ready for fresh groomed snow or surprise powder days.

WWW.ELANSKIS.COM

ELAN/ RIPSTICK 88W rrp: $1,549.00

FEATURES: 125/88/104. Progress from groomers to mixed snow with confidence and control in any terrain.

WWW.ELANSKIS.COM

ELAN/ PLAYMAKER 101 rrp: $1,499.00

FEATURES:132/101/122. One ski quiver wide enough for deep snow , yet light enough for laps through the park.

WWW.ELANSKIS.COM

ELAN/ PLAYMAKER 91 rrp: $1,299.00

FEATURES: 122/91/116. All mountain twin is as comfortable in variable conditions as it is hitting terrain features in the park.

WWW.ELANSKIS.COM

ROSSIGNOL//HERO ELITE

MT CARBON

RRP: $1649.99

Category: Piste

Lengths: 153, 159, 167, 175cm


The Hero Elite Multi-Turn

Ca is an accessible yet

solid, race-inspired on-trail

ski. Our race-proven Line

Control Technology (LCT)

complements a 74mm waist

width and versatile multi

turn sidecut for optimized

quickness, precision and

power

ROSSIGNOL//NOVA NOVA 8

RRP: $1349.99

Category: Piste

Lengths: 149, 156, 163cm


Full-speed carves and full

engagement come naturally

on the women’s Nova 8. Their

race-inspired construction is

matched with an innovative

shape and tuned for

intermediate and advanced

skiers looking to advance

their skills.

ROSSIGNOL//ARCADE 88

RRP: $1749.99


Lengths: 153, 159, 167, 175cm


The Rossignol Arcade 88 skis

redefine the all-mountain

category with a personality

that can literally ski 100%

anywhere. Made for the snow

you find versus the snow you

expect to find.

ROSSIGNOL//ARCADE

88 W

RRP: $1549.99


Lengths: 162, 170cm

Widths: 135-88-124 mm

The women’s Rossignol

Arcade 88 skis redefine

the all-mountain category

with a personality that can

literally ski anywhere. Tip

and tail rocker maintain a

playful, adaptable feel in all

conditions.

BOBO PRODUCT LTD// WWW.DYNASTAR-LANGE.COM


SCARPA/MAESTRALE RS MEN’S

SKI BOOT

RRP: $1499.99

The boot for experienced backcountry

skiers looking for uncompro-mising

performance

A high-performance boot for both

uphill and downhill. A new Grila-mid

BIO® cuff, made from a material

produced from renewable sources and

by the strong and effective Speed Lock

XT ski-walk mechanism.

WWW.SOUTHERNAPPROACH.CO.NZ

ROSSIGNOL/VIZION 4B PRO

90 W GW

RRP: $1,099.99

Flex – 90, Last – 100mm. Power

Strap 40mm, Dual Core, Step-in

Technology, Pre-Shaped Full

Custom Liner w/ Merino Wool

Insulation.

WWW. SUMMITCOLLECTIVE.CO.NZ

ROSSIGNOL/VIZION 4B PRO 120

MV GW

RRP: $1,199.99



Technology, Pre-Shaped Full Custom

Liner.


SCARPA/4-QUATTRO XT SKI BOOT

RRP: $1699.99

The 4-QUATTRO XT is the lightest hybrid ski boot

featuring a Grip-Walk sole on the market, compatible

with GripWalk bindings for both downhill skiing and

ski touring. Sensitivity, precision and sus-tainability

come together in the 4-QUATTRO XT to make it the

per-fect all-day boot, both on and off piste. A low stand

height and flex index of 130 provide incredible impulse

transmission and perfor-mance, making this boot ideal

for expert skiers.

Men’s and Women’s available


SCARPA/GEA RS WOMEN’S SKI BOOT

RRP: $1499.99

For expert female ski mountaineers looking for

performance without sacrificing comfort

The Gea RS represents the perfect balance between

functionality and precision. Ruggedness and

support are enhanced by the new Grilamid®

BIO cuff, made from a material produced from

renewable sources, and by the strong and effective

Speed Lock XT ski-walk mechanism. The boot

for experienced backcountry skiers looking for

uncompromising performance.


ROSSIGNOL/VIZION 4B 120

HV GW

RRP: $1,199.99



Technology, Pre-Shaped Full

Custom Liner.


“YOU CAN

NEVER BE

TOO CAREFUL

CHOOSING

YOUR SKI

BOOTS“

PETER ERLACH

ROSSIGNOL/VIZION 4B PRO 100

W GW

RRP: $1,399.99

Flex – 100, Last – 100mm. Power Strap

40mm, Dual Core, Step-in Technology,

Pre-Shaped Full Custom Liner w/

Merino Wool Insulation.



LANGE/SHADOW 130 GW

RRP: $1,299.90

Flex 130, Last MV100mm & LV

97mm. PU Shell & Cuff, Dual Core,

Suspension Blade, Dual Pivot Shell

Technology, Auxetic Construction

Liner, Reactive Boost Tongue, 40mm

Velcro Power Strap, Gripwalk Sole.

Sizes 24.0-31.5


LANGE/XT3 FREE 130

RRP: $1,499.90

Flex130, Last MV100mm.

Active Power V-Lock, Dual

Core Light, Friction Free

Hinge, Dual 3D Liner, Grip

Walk Sole

Sizes; 24.0-29.5


LANGE/SHADOW 110 MV

RRP: $999.90

Flex 110, Last 100mm. Assisted

Performance System, Dual Pivot,

Suspension Blade, Adjustable

Performance, Gripwalk Sole.

Sizes 24.0 – 31.5


LANGE/SHADOW 115

RRP: $1149.90

Flex 115, Last MV100mm &

LV97mm. Assisted Performance

System, Dual Pivot, Suspension

Blade, Adjustable Performance

Gripwalk Sole.

Sizes 22.0 - 27.5


LANGE/RS 90

RRP: $699.90

Flex 90, Last 97mm. Dual

Core, 3D liner.

Sizes 21.5 - 28.5


LANGE/RSJ 65

RRP: $429.90

Flex 65, Junior Last. PU

Shell / Lyfran Cuff, Junior

Liner, 30mm Power Strap, 4

Micro Adjust Alu Buckles.

Alpine Sole.

Sizes 22.0 – 27.5


LANGE//SHADOW 95 W

RRP: $1049.90

Category: Groomers / All Mountain

Lengths: 22.0 – 27.5

Widths: L.V 97mm / M.V 100mm

Weight: 1760g size 24.5

More power and more control with less

energy. The women’s Lange Shadow

95 ski boots bring a new level of power

transfer, vibration absorption and comfort

to all-mountain skiing. Our Assisted

Performance System amplifies your input to

the boot through the mechanical advantage

of our Dual Pivot and Suspension Blade

technology. Balance, Comfort and

Performance. Grip Walk Sole.

LANGE//RS 130

RRP: $1199.90

Category: Race / Groomers

Lengths: 24.0 – 29.5

Widths: L.V – 97mm M.V – 100mm

The RS 130 MV Ski Boots maximize

speed and power transfer with

race-proven tech and an innovative

wind-tunnel-tested aero design. From

the targeted power of Dual Core

construction to its anatomical foothugging

design, the RS responds to

your every move as a natural extension

of the body to maximize the efficiency

and explosive power of every turn.

LANGE//LX LX 120 HV GW

RRP: $899.90


Lengths: 24.0 – 31.5

Widths: HV 102mm


Lange’s legendary performance

concentrated in a more comfortable,

wider boot. Based on the “choose your

fit” concept, the new LX 120 HV GW all

mountain boot now offers a new width

of 102 mm at the front of the foot. If you

have wide feet and are looking for high

performance in a comfortable ski boot, then

the LX is the right choice for you. External

screw canting and Grip Walk Sole.

LANGE//SHADOW 120 GW

RRP: $1149.90


Lengths: 24.0 – 31.5

Widths: LV 97mm / MV100mm


The 1st Assisted Performance System.

Suspension Blade and Dual Pivot

technology deliver enhanced leverage

for more power with less effort.

Vibration dampening, increased

rebound and consistent flex are all

benefits of this new boot technology.

Grip Walk Sole.

ANON/WINDHAM WAVECEL® SKI ANON/LOGAN WAVECEL® SKI

& SNOWBOARD HELMET

& SNOWBOARD HELMET

RRP: $389.90

RRP: $449.90

Fit: Boa® Fit System’

Audio Compatible: Yes

Construction: Endura-Shell

Fit: Boa® Fit System

Terrain: Freestyle

Construction: In-Mold

WWW.ANONOPTICS.COM

Terrain: Freestyle

WWW.ANONOPTICS.COM

ANON/MERAK WAVECEL® SKI

& SNOWBOARD HELMET

RRP: $549.90

Audio Compatible: Yes

Fit: Boa® Fit System

Construction: Hybrid 50/50

Terrain: All Mountain

WWW. ANONOPTICS.COM

PRET/FURY X (MEN)

RRP: $399.90

MIPS Equipped. In Mold Shell,

Optimized Impact Protection, Haelo

Antimicrobial EPS, Adjustable

Ventilation, Low profile / Light Weight.

X-Static liner, Fidlock magnetic buckle,

Audio ready. Detachable ear covers.

WWW.PRETHELMETS.COM

PRET/LYRIC X (WOMEN)

RRP: $299.90

MIPS Equipped. In Mold Shell, Haelo

Antimicrobial EPS, Direct Ventilation,

Low profile / Light Weight. X-Static

liner, Fidlock magnetic buckle, Audio

ready. Detachable ear covers

WWW.PRETHELMETS.COM


ANON/M5 GOGGLES + BONUS LENS +

MFI® FACE MASK

RRP: $469.90

Magnetic Facemask Integration

Magna-Tech®

Bonus Lens Included

PERCEIVE Lens

Anon Flat Toric Lens Technology

WWW.ANONOPTICS.COM

ANON/M4S GOGGLES (TORIC) +

BONUS LENS + MFI® FACE MASK

RRP: $499.90


Magna-Tech®

Bonus Lens Included

Magnetic Facemask Included

PERCEIVE Lens

Anon Toric Lens Technology

WWW.ANONOPTICS.COM

ANON/SYNC GOGGLES + BONUS LENS

RRP: $329.90


Bonus Lens Included

M-Fusion Latch Lens Change

PERCEIVE Lens

Anon Cylindrical Lens Technology

WWW.ANONOPTICS.COM

ANON/NESA NESA GOGGLES

RRP: $269.90


Bonus Lens Included

PERCEIVE Lens


WWW.ANONOPTICS.COM

DRAGON/RVX RVX MAG OTG

RRP: $470.00

LUMALENS Infrared Lens, Swiftlock MAG

Lens Change System

WWW.DRAGONALLIANCE.COM.AU

ANON/WM3 GOGGLES + BONUS LENS +

MFI® FACE MASK

RRP: $439.90


Magna-Tech®

Bonus Lens Included

Magnetic Facemask Included

PERCEIVE Lens


WWW.ANONOPTICS.COM

DRAGON/DX3 DX3 PLUS OTG

RRP: $300.00

Premium Injected Cylindrical Lens, Over The

Glass (OTG) Technology


DRAGON/THE BOX 2.0

RRP: $260.00

Injection-Moulded Plant-Based Resin Frame,

LUMALENS Colour Optimised Lensesem


OUTDOOR RESEARCH/ARETE ARETE

GORE-TEX MODULAR GLOVES

RRP: $249.99

3-in1 gloves built for high-performance

cold-weather skiing and climbing.

Breathable water and wind-proof outer

glove with a GORE-TEX® membrane,

low-bulk-but-warm EnduraLoft

insulation with leather palms and

fingers that enhance grip and durability

and a removable 300-weight fleece

liner glove. Wear either on their own or

together, depending on the conditions.

WWW.BIVOUAC.CO.NZ

OUTDOOR RESEARCH/TEAM

GORE-TEX GLOVES

RRP: $299.99

Premium skiing and riding gloves built

with a nylon stretch outer and durable

leather palms, thumbs and fingers, a

GORE-TEX® ePE waterproof insert to

keep your hands dry and VerticalX

ECO insulation for warmth without

bulk.

WWW.BIVOUAC.CO.NZ

OUTDOOR RESEARCH/

SNOWCREW LEATHER GLOVES

RRP: $179.99

Combine waterproof technology

(Ventia waterproof/breathable

insert), classic leather construction and

just enough insulation for performance

on skiing adventures and providing

dexterity and warmth. Other features

include touchscreen-compatible index

fingers and thumbs, a handy suede

leather nose wipe on the back of the

thumbs, pull tabs and a glove clip.

WWW.BIVOUAC.CO.NZ

LENZ/HEAT GLOVE 6.0 FINGER

CAP MITTENS WOMEN

RRP: $339.90

52% Goat leather outer. Full Finger

wrap heat element. Sizes XS (6), S (7),

M (8), L (9)

WWW.LENZPRODUCTS.COM


INSELBERG//CENTILE HOODY

RRP: $550.00 SPECS: Developed with Everest guides, this

lightweight down insulated hoody balances moisture

control, warmth, and durability.

WWW.INSELBERG.COM

OUTDOOR RESEARCH//CARBIDE CARBIDE JACKET

RRP: $499.99 SPECS: Waterproof, 3-layer Pertex® Shield

jacket designed for versatility and comfort. Features include

an adjustable helmet-compatible hood with a wire brim,

pit zips for ventilation, a powder skirt, adjustable hem and

ThumbDrive cuff closures to keep snow and wind gusts

out, plenty of pockets including a forearm ski pass pocket

and a double-separating front zip for access and/or venting.

WWW.BIVOUAC.CO.NZ

OUTDOOR RESEARCH//SNOWCREW SNOWCREW JACKET

RRP: $549.99 SPECS: Delivers performance, warmth and style with a

56%-recycled waterproof, breathable shell fabric and 85%-recycled

synthetic insulation for a superior warmth-to-weight ratio.

Features include an adjustable hood with a wire brim that fits most

snow-sport helmets, pit zips for ventilation, a powder skirt to stop

snow going up your back, a handy fore-arm ski pass pocket and a

double-separating front zip for access and/or venting.

WWW.BIVOUAC.CO.NZ

BLACK DIAMOND//RECON LT

STRETCH SHELL

RRP: $749.99 SPECS: A lightweight, durable

workhorse shell, the Recon Stretch LT

Shell features 3 layers of dependable

protection. It combines our BD.dry

waterproof/breathable solution with a

lightweight ripstop fabric for a best-in-class

combination of durability, protection and

minimal weight.

Mens & Womens fit available


PATAGONIA//WOMEN’S UNTRACKED JACKET

RRP: $1149.99 SPECS: The Untracked Jacket harnesses

the technical prowess of 3-layer 100% recycled nylon

GORE-TEX ePE Performance fabric for unrelenting storm

protection that won’t restrict your movement, with a

soft-knit interior backer to help manage moisture on the

skin track. Fabric, membrane and durable water repellent

(DWR) finish are made without intentionally added PFAS.

Made in a Fair Trade Certified factory.

WWW.PATAGONIA.CO.NZ

NOBODY’S PRINCESS//ANNA SNOW JACKET

ANNA SNOW JACKET

RRP: $429.00 SPECS: 20K/20K, 4-Way Stretch. Sizes

6-24. Designed for women; with an adjustable bust

and expandable hip to create the shape and fit you

need. Loaded with features and plenty of pockets.

WWW.NOBODYSPRINCESS.COM

NOBODY’S PRINCESS//WOMEN’S SNOW BIB

RRP: $479.00 SPECS: 20K/20K, 4-Way Stretch. Sizes

6-24. Lengths: Short, Reg, Tall. Available in different

cuts for different body shapes. Rear drop seat, lots of

pockets, full of features.


PATAGONIA//MEN’S R1 THERMAL JACKET

RRP: $369.99 SPECS: A technical fleece for the coldest

alpine objectives, the R1® Thermal Jacket is built to

protect you from the elements and keep you warm while

on the move. The interior microgrid backing is soft, warm

and breathable, and the smooth, durable face fabric sheds

wind or snow flurries when the weather rolls in. Made in

a Fair Trade Certified factory.

WWW.PATAGONIA.CO.NZ

INSELBERG//PRISM BELAY JACKET

RRP: $610.00 SPECS: Climashield® insulated jacket with

strategic thermal mapping for core warmth, mobility, and

alpine weather protection.

WWW.INSELBERG.COM

PATAGONIA//MEN’S MICRO PUFF HOODY

RRP: $549.99 SPECS: The Micro Puff® Hoody combines

ultralight Pertex® Quantum shell fabric with PlumaFill

insulation, and the result is the best warmth-to-weight

ratio of any jacket we’ve ever created and the highest

COMPRESSIBILITY OF ANY OF OUR SYNTHETIC JACKETS.

WWW.PATAGONIA.CO.NZ

INSELBERG//INFIMA INFIMA JACKET

RRP: $360.00 SPECS: Lightweight, breathable alpine jacket

with PrimaLoft® insulation and Polartec® panels for highoutput

movement.

WWW.INSELBERG.COM

INSELBERG//PASCAL HOODY

RRP: $320.00 SPECS: Versatile Polartec® fleece built for

movement, breathability, and durability in demanding,

high-output conditions.

WWW.INSELBERG.COM

PATAGONIA//WOMEN’S NANO PUFF

RRP: $319.99 SPECS: Warm, windproof, water-resistant – the

Nano Puff® Jacket uses incredibly lightweight and highly

compressible 60-g PrimaLoft® Gold Insulation Eco 100%

postconsumer recycled polyester with P.U.R.E. (Produced

Using Reduced Emissions) technology, wrapped in a 100%

recycled polyester shell and lining. Made in a Fair Trade

Certified factory.

WWW.PATAGONIA.CO.NZ

KEEP SKIING LONGER

SKI MOJO: One minute to install, feel 20 years younger

Developed using medical insights Ski Mojo is a device that

uses spring recoil technology to take up to a third of the strain

off the legs and knees by providing kinetic energy to assist leg

extension.

Since its launch in 2007 the Ski Mojo has been developed

and honed into the latest version. The Ski Mojo works like an

exoskeleton for the legs consisting of a lightweight comfortable

harness with neoprene knee supports containing powerful

springs. Ski Mojo enables the wearer to ski for longer and avoids

the leg pain and fatigue they would otherwise experience.

LIMITS HIP

AND BACK PAIN

BOOST

PERFORMANCE

AND ENDURANCE

REDUCES

KNEE

PAIN AND

PRESERVES

JOINTS

This supplements the power of your leg muscles and reduces

the effects of impact significantly reducing pain in legs and

knees. No more thigh burn and late session fatigue.

INCREASES

COMFORT

AND SAFETY

It is an exoskeleton for the legs worn discreetly and invisibly

under your ski trousers. The power to engage the support is

easily turned on and off by switches which are easily accessible,

even with ski gloves on.

• Quick and easy to use

• Comfortable

• One size fits all

• Suitable for skiers,

snowboarders, telemarkers

• Get more value for money

from your ski pass

Get rid of your pain, Increase your safety

Boost your thighs - Relieve your hips and back - Reduce the pressure

on your knees - Delay muscle fatigue - Reduce the risk of injury

The spring stores energy when knees are bending - it releases this

energy in the next turn, giving more power.

Invisible under your ski pants - Stop talking - it's time to act!

INCREASES

SKI

CONTROL

INVISIBLE

UNDER SKI

TROUSERS

AVOIDS

ACHES

OUTDOOR RESEARCH//

SNOWCREW PANTS

RRP: $349.99 SPECS: 56%-recycled shell

fabric and 85%-recycled insulation.

Features include adjustable waist tabs

and belt loops for a custom fit, thigh

vents to dump excess heat, articulated

knees for easy movement and an

avalanche beacon clip in the right-hand

pocket.

WWW.BIVOUAC.CO.NZ

OUTDOOR RESEARCH//CARBIDE CARBIDE BIBS

RRP: $499.99 SPECS: Waterproof, 3-layer

protection with versatility and comfort.

Adjustable stretchy suspenders with

quick-release buckles for comfort, dual side

zips to dump excess heat, an avalanche

beacon-specific pocket within easy reach, a

swing hatch and long right-side zip to enable

answering nature’s call, internal stretch mesh

gaiters and reinforced scuff guards.

WWW.BIVOUAC.CO.NZ

BLACK DIAMOND//RECON LT STRETCH

PANTS

RRP: $649.99 SPECS: A lightweight workhorse in

the mountains, the Recon Stretch LT Pants provide

dependable protection for skiers and riders looking

to hit either side of the rope.

Featuring a slimmed-down fit compared to our

Recon Stretch line, the Recon Stretch LT Pants

combine BD.dry waterproof/ breathable solution

with a lightweight ripstop fabric for a best-in-class

three-layer combo of durability, protection, and

minimal weight.

Mens & Womens fit available


BLACK DIAMOND//FACTOR BIBS

FACTOR BIBS

RRP: $1,199.99 SPECS: The Factor Bib is built

for day-in-day out skiers and riders. Durable,

fully featured, and made with premium

fabrics, the Factor Bib protects against the

burliest conditions and looks good doing it.

Low profile, adjustable suspenders, and a

stretch woven elasticized back panel make for

easy on/off. Features include drop-in thigh

pockets, a bib chest pocket with an internal

sleeve, and side vents for when things heat up

on the skin track. Men and Women available


47 Sunshine Road , Taumarunui 3920 | 0274 993 455 | e: rodhiggs@yahoo.com

www.skimojodownunder.co.nz

LENZ/HEAT SOCK 6.1

RRP: $239.90

Polyamid 55%, Merino 35%, Elastane

10%, Full Toe Cap Heat Filament. Sizes

35-38, 39-41, 42-44, 45-47.



YETI//RANCHERO27L BACKPACK

RRP: $475.00 SPECS: The Easy Access 27L Ranchero

Backpack is the ultimate companion for those who

blur the lines between work and play. This streamlined

commuter focuses on access, allowing you to quickly

grab your gear without breaking your stride

WWW.NZYETI.COM

LENZ/LITHIUM LITHIUM PACK RCB 2000

RRP: $449.90

Lenz’s latest lithium battery pack for

their body heat system. Provides up to

22 hours of warmth and is compatible

for all Lenz heat products.


SUNSAVER/CLASSIC POWER BANK

RRP:$129.00

The ultimate outdoor power bank, famous

for its durability and now featuring USB

Type-C charging.

WWW.SUNSAVER.CO.NZ

SUNSAVER/24K POWER BANK

RRP:$179.00

The massive 24,000mAh battery capacity

is all the power you need to keep your

adventure moving.

WWW.SUNSAVER.CO.NZ

BEAR COTTAGE//POSSUM FUR MERINO WOOL

OMBRE THROW

RRP: $230.00 SPECS: A unique and luxurious blend of NZ

possum fur and pure NZ merino lambswool.A beautiful

luxurious Multi Tone Throw available in various colours

- so versatile, so light and ever so warm. 35% Possum Fur,

55% Merino Lambswool, 10% Mulberry Silk.

Measurements: 1.24m width x 1.71m length (approx)

WWW.BEARCOTTAGE.CO.NZ

NO WOMAN SHOULD FEEL

UNCOMFORTABLE OR UNCATERED FOR AT

THE SNOW BECAUSE OF HER CLOTHING.

“Discover the hidden wonders of the Nydia Track.”

All inclusive package from $535 per person (share twin)

Package includes: • Track transfers •Coffee and cake on arrival at On the Track Lodge • 2 nights in comfortable chalet accommodation* • All meals

(Day 1 dinner & dessert, Day 2 breakfast, packed lunch & dinner & dessert, Day 3 breakfast & packed lunch) • Use of On the Track Lodge kayaks

and all other amenities, including a hot-tub. *Upgrade to stay in the newly renovated vintage train carriages (with private bathroom).

On The Track Lodge, Nydia Track, Marlborough Sounds

+643 579 8411 | stay@onthetracklodge.nz | www.onthetracklodge.nz


Top of the Food Chain.

Experience the future of driving with the BYD SHARK 6, a cutting-edge

plug-in hybrid that blends raw power with unmatched efficiency. Equipped

with Super Hybrid technology, the BYD SHARK 6 seamlessly combines a 1.5-liter

turbocharged engine and two electric motors for a thrilling driving experience.

bydauto.co.nz

Ski & Snow Magazine

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